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Volumetric Flow Rate Formula:
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Volumetric flow rate (Q) is the volume of fluid that passes through a given cross-sectional area per unit time. It is a fundamental parameter in fluid dynamics and engineering applications involving fluid transport.
The calculator uses the volumetric flow rate equation:
Where:
Explanation: The flow rate equals the product of the cross-sectional area through which the fluid flows and the average velocity of the fluid perpendicular to that area.
Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is essential for designing piping systems, determining pump capacities, calculating fluid transport requirements, and optimizing industrial processes involving fluid flow.
Tips: Enter cross-sectional area in square meters (m²) and velocity in meters per second (m/s). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.
Q1: What is the difference between volumetric and mass flow rate?
A: Volumetric flow rate measures volume per time (m³/s), while mass flow rate measures mass per time (kg/s). They are related by the fluid density: mass flow rate = volumetric flow rate × density.
Q2: Can this formula be used for compressible fluids?
A: This simple formula works best for incompressible fluids. For compressible fluids like gases, additional factors such as pressure and temperature must be considered.
Q3: How do I measure cross-sectional area for irregular shapes?
A: For irregular cross-sections, calculate the area using geometric formulas or measure it experimentally. For pipes, use A = π × (diameter/2)².
Q4: What are typical flow rate units in different systems?
A: Common units include m³/s (SI), L/s, L/min, gallons per minute (GPM), and cubic feet per second (CFS). Conversion factors are needed between systems.
Q5: When is average velocity used vs. maximum velocity?
A: This formula uses average velocity across the cross-section. In laminar flow, velocity profiles are parabolic, so average velocity is approximately half of maximum velocity.