1. What is the Flow Rate Equation?

The flow rate equation (Q = A × v) calculates the volumetric flow rate of a fluid through a given cross-sectional area. It's fundamental in fluid dynamics and engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the flow rate equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (m²)
• \( v \) — Flow velocity (m/s)

Explanation: The equation shows that flow rate is directly proportional to both the cross-sectional area and the velocity of the fluid.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Flow rate calculations are essential in designing piping systems, ventilation, hydraulic systems, and many industrial processes involving fluid transport.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cross-sectional area in square meters and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for the calculation?
A: The calculator uses SI units (m² for area, m/s for velocity, resulting in m³/s for flow rate). For other units, convert first.

Q2: Does this work for all fluid types?
A: The basic equation works for all incompressible fluids. For compressible fluids, additional factors must be considered.

Q3: How does pipe diameter affect flow rate?
A: For circular pipes, area = πr², so flow rate is highly sensitive to diameter changes (proportional to diameter squared).

Q4: What's the difference between volumetric and mass flow rate?
A: Volumetric flow rate (Q) measures volume per time, while mass flow rate = Q × fluid density (kg/s).

Q5: When is this equation not applicable?
A: The simple Q=Av equation assumes uniform velocity profile. For turbulent or non-uniform flows, integration may be needed.