What Is the Unconfined Aquifer Dupuit-Thiem Well Discharge Calculator?
In unconfined water-table aquifers, pumping groundwater causes a curved water-table depression cone with horizontal seepage lines, creating a non-linear parabolic flow regime.
The Dupuit-Thiem equation integrates radial Darcy flow over the saturated thickness, accounting for diminishing aquifer thickness toward the borehole casing.
This calculator predicts steady discharge Q in both m³/day and liters per second, total casing drawdown, and face gradient given aquifer permeability and radius of influence.
How Does the Unconfined Aquifer Dupuit-Thiem Well Discharge Calculator Work?
The calculation evaluates user-provided measurements using recognized domain equations, converts between measurement units, and adjusts for real-world efficiency factors.
Unconfined Aquifer Dupuit-Thiem Well Discharge Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
Dupuit-Thiem radial differential integration for steady unconfined groundwater seepage over impervious horizontal bedrock.
How to Use the Unconfined Aquifer Dupuit-Thiem Well Discharge Calculator
- Enter your primary measurements in the input fields above.
- Select your preferred units (e.g. metric or imperial) if applicable.
- Review or adjust operational assumptions such as field efficiency.
- Click Calculate to instantly generate the full results breakdown and visual chart.
- Use the Reset button at any time to clear the form and test a new scenario.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
Medium Sand Unconfined Well (H = 25m, hw = 18m, K = 15 m/day)
Input Values:
Understanding Your Result
Your calculated result represents the realistic operational capacity or baseline output under the specified conditions. Comparing theoretical and effective outputs reveals the direct impact of turns, overlap, and practical downtime.
Factors That Affect the Result
Field terrain, operator experience, equipment maintenance, overlap margin, and weather conditions can significantly influence real-world output.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
Use this calculator whenever you need quick, verified estimates for job planning, budgeting, equipment sizing, or project timelines.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Dupuit-Thiem Discharge: Q = [π · K · (H² - h_w²)] / ln(R / r_w) in m³/day.
- Pumping Drawdown: s_w = H - h_w.
- Well Face Inflow Velocity: v_face = Q / (2 · π · r_w · h_w).
- Conversion: 1 m³/day = 1000 / 86400 ≈ 0.01157 L/s.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
This calculator implements verified, deterministic mathematical equations based on published standards. Results should be treated as professional engineering estimates; always verify critical operations with local equipment manuals and site inspections.