1. What is Mass Flow Rate?

Mass flow rate is the mass of a substance that passes per unit of time. It is typically measured in kilograms per second (kg/s) in SI units. The mass flow rate is a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics and thermodynamics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the mass flow rate equation:

Where:

• \( \dot{m} \) — Mass flow rate (kg/s)
• \( \rho \) — Density of the fluid (kg/m³)
• \( v \) — Flow velocity (m/s)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area (m²)

Explanation: The equation shows that mass flow rate is directly proportional to the density of the fluid, the velocity of the flow, and the cross-sectional area through which the fluid is flowing.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate

Details: Mass flow rate is crucial in various engineering applications including HVAC systems, chemical processing, power generation, and aerodynamics. It helps in designing systems and ensuring proper operation of fluid machinery.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter density in kg/m³, velocity in m/s, and cross-sectional area in m². All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between mass flow rate and volumetric flow rate?
A: Mass flow rate measures mass per time (kg/s), while volumetric flow rate measures volume per time (m³/s). They're related by density: mass flow rate = volumetric flow rate × density.

Q2: How does temperature affect mass flow rate?
A: Temperature affects density (ρ), which in turn affects mass flow rate. For gases, density decreases with increasing temperature at constant pressure.

Q3: What are typical mass flow rate values in pipes?
A: This varies widely by application. Domestic water pipes might have 0.1-1 kg/s, while large industrial pipes can have hundreds of kg/s.

Q4: How is mass flow rate measured experimentally?
A: Common methods include Coriolis flow meters, thermal mass flow meters, or by measuring volumetric flow rate and density separately.

Q5: Does the equation work for compressible fluids?
A: For compressible fluids (gases), this equation gives instantaneous mass flow rate at given conditions. For changing density, integration may be needed.