Tömegáramok

Tömegáramok, often translated as mass flow rate, refers to the amount of mass of a substance that passes through a given cross-sectional area per unit of time. It is a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, and various engineering disciplines. The SI unit for mass flow rate is kilograms per second (kg/s).

The mass flow rate is typically denoted by the symbol $\dot{m}$. It can be calculated by multiplying the density of the fluid ($\rho$), the cross-sectional area through which the fluid flows ($A$), and the average velocity of the fluid ($v$) perpendicular to that area. The formula is expressed as $\dot{m} = \rho A v$. Alternatively, if the volumetric flow rate ($Q$) is known, and $Q = Av$, then the mass flow rate can be calculated as $\dot{m} = \rho Q$.

Understanding mass flow rate is crucial for analyzing systems where substances are transported, such as pipelines, ventilation systems, and internal combustion engines. It is used in calculations involving energy transfer, momentum transfer, and conservation of mass. For instance, in a steady-flow system, the mass flow rate entering a control volume must equal the mass flow rate exiting it, assuming no accumulation or depletion of mass within the volume. This principle is a direct application of the law of conservation of mass. Variations in mass flow rate can indicate changes in pressure, temperature, or velocity of the flowing substance.