1. What is Hydraulic Flow?

Hydraulic flow refers to the volume of fluid passing through a given cross-sectional area per unit time. It's a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics and hydraulic engineering.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic hydraulic flow equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — 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 Calculation

Details: Accurate flow calculations are essential for designing piping systems, irrigation channels, water supply networks, and hydraulic machinery.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cross-sectional area in square meters and flow 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 and m/s for velocity), but you can convert from other units before entering values.

Q2: Does this equation work for all fluids?
A: Yes, the basic equation works for any incompressible fluid. For compressible fluids, additional factors need to be considered.

Q3: How does pipe diameter relate to this calculation?
A: For circular pipes, area A = πr² = π(d/2)² where d is diameter. You can calculate area from diameter before using this calculator.

Q4: What if my flow is not uniform?
A: This calculator assumes uniform flow. For non-uniform flow, you would need to integrate velocity across the cross-section.

Q5: Can I calculate velocity if I know flow rate and area?
A: Yes, you can rearrange the equation: v = Q/A. Just enter the known values and solve for the unknown.