Home
Back
Volumetric Flow Rate Equation:
| From: | To: |
Volumetric flow rate (discharge) is the volume of fluid that passes through a given cross-sectional area per unit time. It is a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics and hydraulics, used to quantify fluid movement in pipes, channels, and rivers.
The calculator uses the volumetric flow rate equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates how much fluid volume passes through a specific area in one second, based on the speed of the fluid flow.
Details: Accurate discharge calculation is essential for designing water supply systems, irrigation networks, hydraulic structures, environmental monitoring, and industrial fluid transport systems.
Tips: Enter cross-sectional area in square meters and flow velocity in meters per second. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.
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 fluid density.
Q2: How do I measure cross-sectional area for irregular shapes?
A: For irregular channels, divide the cross-section into regular geometric shapes, calculate each area separately, then sum them together.
Q3: What affects flow velocity in pipes?
A: Velocity depends on pipe diameter, fluid viscosity, pressure gradient, and pipe roughness according to the Hagen-Poiseuille equation.
Q4: Can this equation be used for compressible fluids?
A: This simple form is for incompressible fluids. For compressible fluids (gases), additional factors like density changes must be considered.
Q5: What are typical flow rates in domestic water systems?
A: Typical household water flow rates range from 0.0001 to 0.001 m³/s (0.1-1 L/s) depending on fixture type and water pressure.