1. What is the Flow Equation?

The flow equation (Q = A × v) calculates volumetric flow rate through a pipe by multiplying the cross-sectional area by the fluid velocity. This fundamental hydraulic principle applies to various fluid dynamics applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the flow equation:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation represents the volume of fluid passing through a given surface per unit time.

3. Importance of Flow Calculation

Details: Accurate flow rate calculation is essential for pipe system design, pump selection, irrigation planning, and industrial process control.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter area in square meters and velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I calculate pipe area?
A: For circular pipes, area = π × (diameter/2)². For other shapes, use appropriate geometric formulas.

Q2: What are typical velocity ranges?
A: Water in pipes typically flows at 0.5-3 m/s, with 1-2 m/s being common for municipal systems.

Q3: Does this work for compressible fluids?
A: This simple form applies to incompressible fluids. For gases, additional factors like pressure and density must be considered.

Q4: How does pipe roughness affect flow?
A: Roughness affects velocity through friction losses but isn't directly part of this basic flow equation.

Q5: Can I calculate mass flow rate with this?
A: Multiply volumetric flow (Q) by fluid density (ρ) to get mass flow rate (ṁ = ρQ).