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Air Flow Equation:
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Air flow rate (Q) is the volume of air that passes through a given cross-sectional area per unit time. It is commonly measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s) and is fundamental in HVAC systems, ventilation design, and fluid dynamics.
The calculator uses the fundamental air flow equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation calculates the volumetric flow rate by multiplying the cross-sectional area through which air flows by the average velocity of the air.
Details: Accurate air flow calculation is essential for designing ventilation systems, determining heating and cooling requirements, ensuring proper air quality, and optimizing energy efficiency in buildings and industrial processes.
Tips: Enter cross-sectional area in square meters (m²) and air velocity in meters per second (m/s). Both values must be positive numbers. For circular ducts, calculate area using \( A = \pi \times r^2 \).
Q1: What units should I use for area and velocity?
A: Use square meters (m²) for area and meters per second (m/s) for velocity to get flow rate in cubic meters per second (m³/s).
Q2: How do I measure air velocity?
A: Air velocity can be measured using anemometers, pitot tubes, or hot-wire anemometers at multiple points across the duct for accurate average velocity.
Q3: What is a typical air flow rate for ventilation?
A: Typical ventilation rates range from 0.1 to 1.0 m³/s per person depending on the space usage and air quality requirements.
Q4: Does temperature affect air flow calculations?
A: Yes, temperature affects air density. For precise calculations at extreme temperatures, consider using mass flow rate instead of volumetric flow rate.
Q5: Can this calculator be used for liquids?
A: Yes, the same principle applies to incompressible fluids, but for compressible fluids like air at high velocities, additional factors may need consideration.