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Air Volume Flow Formula:
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Air volume flow rate (Q) represents the volume of air passing through a given cross-sectional area per unit time. It is a fundamental parameter in fluid dynamics, HVAC systems, ventilation design, and aerodynamics.
The calculator uses the basic flow rate equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the volume of air flowing through a duct, pipe, or opening by multiplying the cross-sectional area by the average flow velocity.
Details: Accurate air flow calculation is essential for designing ventilation systems, determining HVAC requirements, calculating air exchange rates, and ensuring proper indoor air quality in buildings and industrial applications.
Tips: Enter cross-sectional area in square meters (m²) and flow velocity in meters per second (m/s). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the air volume flow rate in cubic meters per second (m³/s).
Q1: What is the difference between volume flow rate and mass flow rate?
A: Volume flow rate measures the volume of fluid passing per unit time, while mass flow rate measures the mass of fluid passing per unit time. They are related by the fluid density.
Q2: How do I measure cross-sectional area for irregular shapes?
A: For irregular ducts, calculate the equivalent diameter or use integration methods. For circular ducts, use \( A = \pi \times r^2 \) where r is the radius.
Q3: What are typical air flow velocities in HVAC systems?
A: Typical velocities range from 2-5 m/s in supply ducts and 3-6 m/s in return ducts, depending on system design and noise considerations.
Q4: Can this formula be used for compressible fluids?
A: This simple formula assumes incompressible flow. For compressible fluids like air at high velocities, additional factors like density changes must be considered.
Q5: How do I convert between different flow rate units?
A: Common conversions: 1 m³/s = 1000 L/s = 60 m³/min = 2118.88 CFM (cubic feet per minute).