In aircraft design, the cross-sectional area of an aircraft system refers to the area perpendicular to the direction of flow within that system. It’s an important parameter used to characterize the flow of substances or components within various aircraft systems. The formula for calculating the mass flow rate (ṁ) of an aircraft system involves the cross-sectional area (A), as well as density (ρ) and velocity (V), and is defined as:
- 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).