Understanding Flow Rate
Flow rate measures the volume of fluid that passes through a given surface per unit time. It is crucial in fluid dynamics, engineering, and various industrial applications.
Introduction & History
The study of fluid flow dates back to ancient civilizations, but it was Leonardo da Vinci and later scientists like Daniel Bernoulli and Claude-Louis Navier who developed the mathematical foundations of fluid dynamics.
Key Units
Cubic meters per second (m³/s)
The SI unit of volumetric flow rate, commonly used in large-scale applications.
Liters per minute (L/min)
A common unit for measuring liquid flow in industrial and domestic applications.
Gallons per minute (GPM)
Widely used in the United States for measuring liquid flow rates.
Cubic feet per second (cfs)
Commonly used in the United States for measuring water flow in rivers and streams.
Practical Applications
Water supply systems
Oil and gas pipelines
Chemical processing
HVAC systems
Medical equipment
Key Formula
Calculating Volumetric Flow Rate
The volumetric flow rate (Q) equals the cross-sectional area (A) of the pipe or channel multiplied by the average flow velocity (v).