1. What is Fluid Volume Flow?

The volume flow rate (Q) is the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time. It's a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics and is used in various engineering and physics applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the volume flow equation:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Volume Flow Calculation

Details: Calculating volume flow rate is essential for designing piping systems, ventilation systems, hydraulic machinery, and in many industrial processes involving fluid transport.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical units for volume flow rate?
A: While m³/s is the SI unit, other common units include liters per second (L/s) and cubic feet per minute (CFM).

Q2: How does pipe diameter affect flow rate?
A: For a given velocity, flow rate increases with the square of the pipe diameter since area is proportional to diameter squared.

Q3: Is this equation valid for all fluids?
A: Yes, the basic equation Q = A × v applies to all fluids, though additional factors may be needed for compressible fluids.

Q4: What's the difference between volume flow and mass flow?
A: Volume flow measures volume per time, while mass flow measures mass per time (related by the fluid's density).

Q5: Can this be used for turbulent flow?
A: Yes, but the velocity should be the average velocity across the cross-section as velocity profiles vary in turbulent flow.