1. What is Porosity Percentage?

Porosity percentage is a measure of the void spaces in a material, expressed as a percentage of the total volume. It indicates how much of a material's volume is composed of empty space versus solid material.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the porosity percentage formula:

Where:

• \( P \) — Porosity percentage (%)
• \( V_v \) — Void volume (empty space volume)
• \( V_t \) — Total volume (overall volume)

Explanation: The formula calculates the proportion of void space relative to the total volume and converts it to a percentage.

3. Importance of Porosity Calculation

Details: Porosity calculation is crucial in materials science, geology, soil mechanics, and engineering. It helps determine material properties like permeability, strength, and fluid storage capacity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter void volume and total volume in consistent units (e.g., cm³, m³). Both values must be positive, and void volume cannot exceed total volume.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered high porosity?
A: High porosity typically ranges from 20-50%, depending on the material type and application requirements.

Q2: How is void volume measured?
A: Void volume can be measured through various methods including mercury intrusion porosimetry, gas adsorption, or fluid displacement techniques.

Q3: What factors affect porosity?
A: Porosity is affected by particle size distribution, packing arrangement, compaction, and material composition.

Q4: What's the difference between porosity and permeability?
A: Porosity measures void space percentage, while permeability measures how easily fluids can flow through the material.

Q5: Can porosity be greater than 100%?
A: No, porosity percentage cannot exceed 100% since void volume cannot be greater than total volume.