Circular vs Square Pipes: Which One Has a Larger Hydraulic Radius?

Which type of pipe has the larger hydraulic radius and by what percentage?

Is it the circular pipe or the square pipe that has the larger hydraulic radius?

Answer:

The circular pipe has a larger hydraulic radius as compared to a square pipe with an equal cross-sectional area; approximately 27% greater.

Explanation: The hydraulic radius is a term used in fluid dynamics and it is calculated as the cross-sectional area of the flow divided by the wetted perimeter. In the case of a pipe with a circular or square cross-section with the same area, the hydraulic radius will be greater for the circular pipe. This is because, for a given area, the perimeter of a circle is smaller than that of a square; therefore, when dividing the cross-sectional area by the wetted perimeter, the circular pipe will have a higher hydraulic radius.

To calculate the exact percentage difference, you need to compare the hydraulic radii of the two pipes. But generally, a circular pipe has approximately 27% larger hydraulic radius than a square pipe with the same cross-sectional area. This is because the ratio of the perimeter to area for a circle is less than that for a square.

So, next time you see a circular pipe and a square pipe with the same cross-sectional area, remember that the circular pipe has the advantage of a larger hydraulic radius which is important in fluid dynamics and pipe flow.