Flow rate of a pipe - calculation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the flow rate of a pipe using the relationship between flow rate, velocity, and cross-sectional area. Participants clarify that the average speed cannot be calculated by multiplying volumetric flow rate by area, as this leads to unit inconsistencies. Instead, they emphasize that velocity is directly proportional to the volumetric flow rate divided by the cross-sectional area of the pipe. The terms "flow" and "flow rate" are discussed, with "volumetric flow rate" being preferred for clarity in engineering contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of fluid dynamics principles
  • Familiarity with volumetric flow rate and its units (m³/s)
  • Knowledge of cross-sectional area calculations
  • Basic grasp of unit conversions in fluid mechanics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the equation for flow rate: Q = A × v (where Q is volumetric flow rate, A is area, and v is velocity)
  • Study the differences between volumetric flow rate and mass flow rate
  • Learn about the impact of pipe diameter on flow velocity
  • Explore the use of the Bernoulli equation in fluid flow analysis
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, fluid mechanics students, and anyone involved in designing or analyzing piping systems will benefit from this discussion.

AnneX
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Homework Statement
It is not an assignment but a problem I came across while studying for a quiz
Relevant Equations
See below, I inserted it, not sure if it applies to this problem though
81FB4876-899D-47B6-83DF-0A482683B012.jpeg


So, I actually do not know, if the formula given applies to this problem or not, so I wanted to check
 
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That formula looks like it is relating the flow rate to the pressure loss; you don't need that for the given problem. Can you write an equation relating flow rate, velocity, and area? That's all you need to do here.

I think that's what you are doing in the last two lines but you should write out the equation.
 
So, average speed equals volumetric flow rate times area? Just a bit confused, coz it was stated, that I have to find the flow rate
 
The answer choices are in m/s.
 
AnneX said:
So, average speed equals volumetric flow rate times area?
No, if you write this out showing the units (m^3/sec and m^2) you will see it cannot be, but maybe you can figure out the right equation.
 
AnneX said:
So, average speed equals volumetric flow rate times area? Just a bit confused, coz it was stated, that I have to find the flow rate
Velocity is directly proportional to the volume per unit of time that flows inside the pipe.
The bigger the cross area of the pipe, the slower the flow.
Be careful with the conversion of units.
 
4457D99C-3A28-4DE2-9AC6-8B85BFE69F9E.jpeg

So, I guess that is the equation I was looking for?
 
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What is the difference between flow and flow rate?
 
  • #10
In US English they are used interchangeably, though I think "flowrate" is more correct. If you are translating from another language be careful (I see how you write your "ones" :wink: )

"Volumetric flowrate" is even better. It distinguishes from "mass flowrate" which could be kg/sec, or pounds per hour, or any other MASS/TIME depending on convention for the application.
 
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  • #11
Thanks, and yeah the one is just a straight line in the U.S. - right? But the fact that I am using the metric system also kind of gives it away, so ;)
 
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