1. What is Flow Rate?

Flow rate (Q) is the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time. It's a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics and is used in various engineering and scientific applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic flow rate equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (m³/s)
• \( V \) — Volume of fluid (m³)
• \( t \) — Time period (s)

Explanation: The equation simply divides the volume of fluid by the time it takes to pass through a point to determine the flow rate.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Flow rate calculations are essential in designing piping systems, water supply networks, hydraulic systems, and in many industrial processes involving fluid transport.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter volume in cubic meters (m³) and time in seconds (s). Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the flow rate in cubic meters per second (m³/s).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are common units for flow rate?
A: While we use m³/s here, other common units include liters per second (L/s), gallons per minute (GPM), and cubic feet per second (cfs).

Q2: How does pipe diameter affect flow rate?
A: For a given velocity, flow rate increases with the square of the pipe diameter (Q = v × A, where A is cross-sectional area).

Q3: What's the difference between flow rate and flow velocity?
A: Flow rate is volume per time, while flow velocity is distance per time. They're related by Q = v × A.

Q4: When is this simple equation not applicable?
A: For compressible fluids or when there are significant changes in density, more complex equations are needed.

Q5: How can I measure flow rate experimentally?
A: Common methods include using flow meters, measuring time to fill a known volume, or using the continuity equation with known velocities.