In aircraft design, the mass flow rate of an aircraft system refers to the rate at which a particular substance (such as fuel, air, or another fluid) passes through a specific component or system within the aircraft. The mass flow rate (ṁ) is a fundamental parameter used to characterize the flow of substances in various aircraft systems. It is defined by the following formula:
- Mass Flow Rate (ṁ): The mass of the substance passing through the system per unit of time. The SI unit for mass flow rate is typically kilograms per second (kg/s).
- Density (ρ): The density of the substance being transported, which is typically measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³) in the International System of Units (SI).
- Velocity (V): The velocity of the substance within the system, usually measured in meters per second (m/s).
- Cross-Sectional Area (A): The area through which the substance flows. This is typically measured in square meters (m²).