1. What is Pipe Flow?

Pipe flow refers to the movement of fluid through a pipe or conduit. The flow rate (Q) is the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental flow equation:

Where:

• \( Q \) — Flow rate (m³/s)
• \( v \) — Velocity of the fluid (m/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of the pipe (m²)

Explanation: The equation calculates volumetric flow rate by multiplying the fluid velocity by the pipe's cross-sectional area.

3. Importance of Flow Rate Calculation

Details: Calculating flow rate is essential for designing piping systems, determining pump requirements, and ensuring proper fluid transport in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter velocity in m/s and area in m². Both values must be positive numbers. For circular pipes, area can be calculated as π × (diameter/2)².

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: Does this work for any pipe shape?
A: Yes, as long as you know the cross-sectional area. For non-circular pipes, calculate the area appropriately.

Q3: What affects flow rate in pipes?
A: Flow rate depends on pipe diameter, fluid velocity, viscosity, and pressure differences.

Q4: How does this relate to Reynolds number?
A: Reynolds number helps determine flow regime (laminar/turbulent), which affects velocity profiles and friction losses.

Q5: What about compressible fluids?
A: This simple equation works best for incompressible fluids. For compressible flows, additional factors must be considered.