1. What is the Velocity Formula?

The velocity formula \( v = \frac{Q}{A} \) calculates the flow velocity by dividing the volumetric flow rate (Q) by the cross-sectional area (A) of the pipe or channel. This fundamental equation is used in fluid mechanics to determine how fast a fluid is moving through a given space.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the velocity formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The equation shows that velocity is directly proportional to flow rate and inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area through which the fluid flows.

3. Importance of Velocity Calculation

Details: Calculating flow velocity is essential for designing piping systems, determining pump requirements, analyzing fluid behavior in channels, and ensuring proper flow conditions in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in cubic meters per second (m³/s) and cross-sectional area in square meters (m²). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for this calculation?
A: The calculator uses SI units (m³/s for flow rate and m² for area), but you can convert from other units before entering values.

Q2: Does this formula work for all fluids?
A: Yes, the basic formula applies to all Newtonian fluids, though viscosity effects are not accounted for in this simple calculation.

Q3: How do I measure cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes, use \( A = \pi r^2 \) where r is the radius. For rectangular channels, use width × height.

Q4: What's a typical velocity range for water in pipes?
A: Common design velocities are 0.5-3 m/s for water in pipes, depending on application and pipe size.

Q5: Can I use this for compressible gases?
A: This simple formula works for incompressible flow. For gases at high velocities or pressure changes, more complex calculations are needed.