Fluid dynamics basics: pipe and duct flow
Fluids
A quick guide to laminar flow, turbulent flow, Reynolds number, hydraulic diameter, and pressure loss.
Calculator tabs
Documentation coming soon
CalculatorFree
Basic Heat Flow
Estimate heat flow through a single layer with manual inputs.
Inputs
Enter conductivity, area, temperature difference, and thickness.
Results
Heat flow and thermal resistance based on your inputs.
Step 1
Check the inputs and units.
Step 2
Formula
Q = k * A * dT / L
- R = L / (k * A) = 0.0100 / (45.0000 * 0.0200) = 0.0111 K/W
- Q = dT / R = 30.0000 / 0.0111 = 2700.0000 W
Step 3
Heat flow Q
2,700.0000 W
Estimated heat flow through the layer.
Thermal resistance R
0.0111 K/W
Resistance of the layer to heat transfer.
Explanation Mode (advanced)
Formulas used
Q = k * A * dT / L
R = L / (k * A)
Variables
- Q
- Heat flow rate (W).
- k
- Thermal conductivity (W/mK).
- A
- Area (m2).
- dT
- Temperature difference (K).
- L
- Thickness (m).
- R
- Thermal resistance (K/W).
Usage notes
- Assumes steady-state, 1D conduction.
- Units are SI (W, m, K).
Show reports, charts, and comparison tools
After checking the basic result, open sharing, PDF, method notes, and comparison panels.
Standard Documentation
Basic Heat FlowScope: What does this tool calculate?
Basic Heat Flow performs the core engineering calculation for this tool type and presents results in a traceable format.
Assumptions and Units
- SI units are the baseline; input unit consistency must be verified by the user.
- The calculation path is deterministic (same inputs = same outputs).
- If default material/environment values are used, replace them with project-specific values.
Limits / Boundaries
- This tool is intended for preliminary sizing and technical checks, not final design approval.
- When inputs are outside expected ranges, validate input quality before interpreting outputs.
Reference Standard
- ISO / DIN / VDI references and common engineering handbooks
Validation Example
Validation example
| Input | Expected Output |
|---|---|
| Input set: Unit-consistent project values | Expected output: Tool result is in the same order as standard references |
Note: In real projects, run at least one manual check or reference-table comparison.
Version and Update
- Version
- v0.1.0
- Last updated
- 2026-03-04
Premium beta
Premium plan
Premium is in private beta. Early access opens in small batches.
Guides
Related guides
Browse guides with similar tags.
Glossary
Related terms
Terms that share the same concepts as this calculator.
Similar calculators
Related calculators
Explore calculators with similar categories or tags.
Unit Converter
Free
Fast unit conversions for length, force, pressure, and energy.
Engineering Sanity Check Lab
Beta
Validate variables, units, and formulas in one screen.
Pipe Pressure Loss
Free
Compute Re, friction factor, and pressure loss via Darcy-Weisbach.
Fluids & HVAC
Free
Quick calculations for Reynolds, pressure loss, and duct velocity.
Other picks
These might help too
Review alternative calculators for adjacent needs.
Heat Transfer & Energy
Free
Basics for LMTD, conduction, and energy estimates.
Bolt Size & Torque
Free
Calculate stress area and preload from nominal diameter, pitch, and grade.
Spring Force Chart
Free
Generate an F-x chart from spring constant and displacement.
Tensile Stress
Free
Compute tensile stress from force and cross-section area.