What is a Coefficient of Velocity and Why Should You Care?
The Coefficient of Velocity (C_v) is a dimensionless number that measures how efficiently a fluid flows through a conduit.
Formula
$$C_{v} = \sqrt{\frac{x^{2}}{4 \times y \times h}}$$
Where:
- x is the horizontal distance the fluid travels
- y is the vertical distance (how far the fluid falls)
- h is the head of water (height at which water is situated)
Calculation Example
Given:
- Horizontal distance: 6 meters
- Vertical distance: 3 meters
- Head of water: 5 meters
Calculation:
$$C_{v} = \sqrt{\frac{6^{2}}{4 \times 3 \times 5}}$$
$$C_{v} = \sqrt{\frac{36}{60}}$$
$$C_{v} = \sqrt{0.6}$$
$$C_{v} \approx 0.775$$