1. What is Velocity from Flow Rate Calculation?

Definition: This calculator determines the velocity of a fluid based on its volumetric flow rate and the cross-sectional area of the pipe or channel.

Purpose: It helps engineers, plumbers, and fluid dynamics professionals analyze fluid movement in pipes, rivers, or other conduits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( V \) — Velocity (meters per second)
• \( Q \) — Volumetric flow rate (cubic meters per second)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (square meters)

Explanation: The flow rate is divided by the cross-sectional area to determine how fast the fluid is moving through the conduit.

3. Importance of Velocity Calculation

Details: Knowing fluid velocity is crucial for designing efficient piping systems, predicting erosion rates, and ensuring proper flow characteristics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the flow rate in m³/s and the cross-sectional area in 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 metric units (m³/s for flow rate and m² for area), but you can use any consistent unit system as long as you're consistent.

Q2: Does this work for any fluid?
A: Yes, the formula works for any incompressible fluid (water, oil, etc.) flowing through a defined area.

Q3: How do I measure cross-sectional area?
A: For circular pipes: \( A = \pi r² \). For rectangular channels: \( A = width \times height \).

Q4: What if my pipe isn't full?
A: The calculation assumes full pipe flow. For partially full pipes, use the actual wetted area.

Q5: How does velocity relate to pressure?
A: According to Bernoulli's principle, higher velocity generally means lower pressure in horizontal flow.