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 relates the cross-sectional area (A) and the average flow velocity (v) to determine the volume of fluid passing 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 of flow and the velocity of the fluid.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Flow rate calculations are essential in fluid dynamics, engineering design, plumbing systems, and various industrial applications to ensure proper system operation and efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the cross-sectional area in square meters (m²) and the flow velocity in meters per second (m/s). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical flow rate units?
A: While m³/s is standard, other common units include liters per second (L/s), gallons per minute (GPM), and cubic feet per second (cfs).

Q2: How does pipe diameter affect flow rate?
A: For a given velocity, larger diameter pipes (greater cross-sectional area) will have higher flow rates according to Q = A × v.

Q3: Is this formula valid for all fluids?
A: Yes, it applies to both liquids and gases, though additional factors may need consideration for compressible fluids (gases) at high velocities.

Q4: What's the difference between flow rate and flow velocity?
A: Flow rate (Q) is the volume per time, while velocity (v) is the speed of the fluid. They're related through the cross-sectional area.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It assumes uniform velocity profile. Real-world applications may require corrections for turbulent flow or non-uniform velocity distributions.