HomeCalculatorsFlooding Time - Simple Orifice Estimate

Flooding Time - Simple Orifice Estimate

Flooding time through a simple orifice - √(2gh) exit velocity + compartment volume.

FloodingOrificeHole
Initial flow rate
4.60m³/s
Time to fill (simple)
1.8min
Formula, assumptions, and limits

Simplified - ignores rising internal water level reducing head. Real flooding slows as compartment fills. Automatic detection alarms by bilge level gauges.

Symbol legend

SymbolMeaningUnitSource
Hole areadamage case
Water head above holemhydrostatics
Discharge coefficient - sharp-edged orifice 0.6