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Fluid Velocity Formula:
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Fluid velocity is the speed at which a fluid flows through a pipe or conduit. It's calculated as the volumetric flow rate divided by the cross-sectional area of the pipe.
The calculator uses the fluid velocity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This fundamental equation in fluid dynamics relates how fast a fluid moves through a pipe based on how much fluid is flowing and the size of the pipe.
Details: Calculating fluid velocity is essential for designing piping systems, determining pump requirements, analyzing pressure drops, and ensuring efficient fluid transport in various engineering applications.
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 greater than zero.
Q1: What units should I use for this calculation?
A: The calculator expects flow rate in m³/s and area in m², which will give velocity in m/s. You can convert from other units before entering values.
Q2: Does this formula work for all fluid types?
A: Yes, this fundamental relationship applies to all Newtonian fluids, though additional factors may be needed for non-Newtonian fluids.
Q3: How does pipe shape affect the calculation?
A: The formula works for any cross-sectional shape as long as you use the correct area calculation for that shape (circular, rectangular, etc.).
Q4: What is a typical fluid velocity in piping systems?
A: Typical velocities range from 1-5 m/s for water systems, with higher velocities potentially causing erosion and lower velocities potentially allowing sedimentation.
Q5: Can I use this for compressible fluids like gases?
A: For gases at low pressure differences, this formula provides a reasonable approximation, but for significant pressure drops, compressibility effects should be considered.