1. What is the Flow Rate Formula?

The flow rate formula (Q = A × v) calculates the volumetric flow rate of a fluid through a pipe or channel. It represents the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time.

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 fluid dynamics, engineering, plumbing, and many industrial applications to design systems and ensure proper 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, m³/s for flow rate). Convert other units to these before calculation.

Q2: Does this formula work for all fluids?
A: Yes, the basic formula applies to all incompressible fluids. For compressible fluids, additional factors may need to be considered.

Q3: How do I measure cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes, use A = πr² where r is the radius. For other shapes, use the appropriate area formula.

Q4: What affects flow velocity in a pipe?
A: Velocity depends on pressure difference, pipe diameter, fluid viscosity, and pipe roughness among other factors.

Q5: Can I calculate mass flow rate with this?
A: To get mass flow rate, multiply the volumetric flow rate (Q) by the fluid density (ρ): ṁ = Q × ρ.