How to Calculate and Solve for Average Fluid Velocity | Transport Phenomena
Last Updated on September 25, 2021
The image above represents average fluid velocity.
To compute for average fluid velocity, two essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Volume Flow Rate, Q and Pipe Diameter (D).
The formula for calculating average fluid velocity:
v’ = 4Q / πD²
Where:
v’ = Average Fluid Velocity
Q = Volume Flow Rate
D = Pipe Diameter
Let’s solve an example;
With a volume flow rate of 42 and a pipe diameter of 8. Find the average fluid velocity?
This implies that;
Q = Volume Flow Rate = 42
D = Pipe Diameter = 8
v’ = 4Q / πD²
v’ = 4(42) / π(8)²
v’ = 168 / π(64)
v’ = 168 / 201.06
v’ = 0.835
Therefore, the average fluid velocity is 0.835 m/s.
Calculating the Volume Flow Rate when the Average Fluid Velocity and the Pipe Diameter is Given.
Q = v’ x πD² / 4
Where:
Q = Volume Flow Rate
v’ = Average Fluid Velocity
D = Pipe Diameter
Let’s solve an example;
Find the volume flow rate when the average fluid velocity is 20 and the pipe diameter is 8.
This implies that;
v’ = Average Fluid Velocity = 20
D = Pipe Diameter = 8
Q = v’ x πD² / 4
Q = 20 x π(8)² / 4
Q = 20 x 201.06 / 4
Q = 4021.2 / 4
Q = 1005.3
Therefore, the volume flow rate is 1005.3.
Calculating the Pipe Diameter when the Average Fluid Velocity and the Volume Flow Rate is Given.
D = √(4Q / v’ x π)
Where:
D = Pipe Diameter
v’ = Average Fluid Velocity
Q = Volume Flow Rate
Let’s solve an example;
Find the pipe diameter when the average fluid velocity is 12 and the volume flow rate is 6.
This implies that;
v’ = Average Fluid Velocity = 12
Q = Volume Flow Rate = 6
D = √(4Q / v’ x π)
D = √(4(6) / 12 x π)
D = √(24 / 37.69)
D = √(0.637)
D = 0.79
Therefore, the pipe diameter is 0.79.
Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the average fluid velocity.
To get the answer and workings of the average fluid velocity using the Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia. First, you need to obtain the app.
You can get this app via any of these means:
Web – https://www.nickzom.org/calculator-plus
To get access to the professional version via web, you need to register and subscribe to have utter access to all functionalities.
You can also try the demo version via https://www.nickzom.org/calculator
Android (Paid) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Android (Free) – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nickzom.nickzomcalculator
Apple (Paid) – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nickzom-calculator/id1331162702?mt=8
Once, you have obtained the calculator encyclopedia app, proceed to the Calculator Map, then click on Materials and Metallurgical under Engineering.
Now, Click on Transport Phenomena under Materials and Metallurgical
Now, Click on Average Fluid Velocity under Transport Phenomena
The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the average fluid velocity according to the respective parameter which is the Volume Flow Rate, Q and Pipe Diameter (D).
Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Volume Flow Rate, Q is 42 and Pipe Diameter (D) is 8.
Finally, Click on Calculate
As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the average fluid velocity and presents the formula, workings and steps too.