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Velocity Calculator

Velocity Formula:

\[ v = \frac{Q}{A} \]

m³/s

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1. What is Velocity?

Velocity is the rate of change of an object's position with respect to time. In fluid dynamics, it represents how fast a fluid is moving through a pipe or channel, measured in meters per second (m/s).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the velocity formula:

\[ v = \frac{Q}{A} \]

Where:

Explanation: This formula calculates the speed at which fluid flows through a pipe by dividing the volumetric flow rate by the cross-sectional area of the pipe.

3. Importance of Velocity Calculation

Details: Calculating velocity in pipes is essential for designing efficient fluid transport systems, determining pressure drops, ensuring proper mixing, and preventing issues like erosion or sedimentation in pipelines.

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 greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for flow rate and area?
A: For consistent results, use m³/s for flow rate and m² for area. The calculator will output velocity in m/s.

Q2: Can I use different units?
A: Yes, but you'll need to convert them to consistent units first. For example, if using L/s for flow rate, convert to m³/s (1 L/s = 0.001 m³/s).

Q3: What is a typical velocity range in pipes?
A: For water systems, typical velocities range from 0.5-3 m/s. Higher velocities may cause erosion, while lower velocities may allow sedimentation.

Q4: Does this formula work for all fluids?
A: Yes, the formula v = Q/A works for all Newtonian fluids, but the behavior and implications may differ based on fluid properties like viscosity.

Q5: How does pipe shape affect the calculation?
A: The formula uses cross-sectional area, so it works for any pipe shape (circular, rectangular, etc.) as long as you correctly calculate the area.

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