Flow Rate Equation:
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The flow rate equation (Q = V × A) calculates the volumetric flow rate of a fluid by multiplying the flow velocity by the cross-sectional area of the pipe or channel. This fundamental equation is widely used in fluid dynamics and engineering applications.
The calculator uses the flow rate equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation directly relates the speed of fluid movement to the volume passing through a given cross-section per unit time.
Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is essential for designing piping systems, determining pump requirements, calculating fluid transport capacity, and optimizing industrial processes involving fluid flow.
Tips: Enter velocity in meters per second (m/s) and cross-sectional area in square meters (m²). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the volumetric flow rate in cubic meters per second (m³/s).
Q1: What units should I use for this calculation?
A: For consistent results, use meters per second (m/s) for velocity and square meters (m²) for area. The result will be in cubic meters per second (m³/s).
Q2: Can I use different units with this calculator?
A: You'll need to convert your measurements to the standard metric units (m/s and m²) before using this calculator for accurate results.
Q3: Does this equation work for all types of fluids?
A: Yes, the equation Q = V × A works for all Newtonian fluids assuming uniform flow velocity across the cross-section.
Q4: What if the flow velocity isn't uniform across the cross-section?
A: For non-uniform flow, you would need to integrate the velocity profile across the area or use an average velocity value.
Q5: How does pipe shape affect the calculation?
A: The equation works for any cross-sectional shape as long as you correctly calculate the area. For circular pipes, A = πr² where r is the radius.