1. What is the Rate of Flow Formula?

Definition: This calculator computes the volumetric flow rate (Q) based on fluid velocity (V) and cross-sectional area (A).

Purpose: It helps engineers, physicists, and students determine how much fluid passes through a given area per unit time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (m³/s)
• \( V \) — Fluid velocity (m/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (m²)

Explanation: The flow rate equals the product of the fluid's velocity and the cross-sectional area of the pipe or channel.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculations are essential for designing piping systems, hydraulic engineering, and fluid dynamics analysis.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fluid velocity in m/s and the cross-sectional area in m². All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use?
A: The calculator uses SI units (m/s for velocity, m² for area, m³/s for flow rate). Convert other units to these before calculation.

Q2: Does this work for any fluid?
A: Yes, the formula applies to all incompressible fluids. For compressible fluids, additional factors are needed.

Q3: How do I measure cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes: \( A = \pi r² \). For rectangular channels: \( A = width \times height \).

Q4: What if my pipe isn't full?
A: The formula assumes full pipe flow. For partial flow, use the actual cross-sectional area of the flowing fluid.

Q5: How does viscosity affect the calculation?
A: Viscosity affects velocity distribution but not the basic flow rate calculation when using average velocity.