1. What is Mass Flow Rate?

Definition: Mass flow rate is the mass of a substance that passes per unit of time, typically measured in kilograms per second (kg/s).

Purpose: It's crucial in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and various engineering applications to quantify how much mass moves through a system.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The product of density, velocity, and cross-sectional area gives the mass flow rate in kg/s.

3. Importance of Mass Flow Rate

Details: Mass flow rate is fundamental in designing piping systems, HVAC systems, chemical processes, and any application involving fluid movement.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the fluid density in kg/m³, flow velocity in m/s, and cross-sectional area in m². All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is kg/s the standard unit for mass flow rate?
A: kg/s is the SI unit that directly relates mass to time, making it universally applicable in scientific and engineering calculations.

Q2: How does this differ from volumetric flow rate?
A: Mass flow rate accounts for density variations, while volumetric flow rate (m³/s) measures volume per time regardless of mass.

Q3: What's a typical density value for water?
A: Water at standard conditions is approximately 1000 kg/m³, but this varies with temperature and impurities.

Q4: Can I use other time units like kg/hour?
A: Yes, but kg/s is preferred for SI consistency. To convert to kg/hour, multiply by 3600.

Q5: Where is mass flow rate commonly used?
A: Applications include chemical processing, power generation, aerospace (fuel flow), and any fluid transport system.