Compressible flow

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Thermodynamics

Specific heat

For thermally perfect and calorically perfect gases

Cp=dhdTCv=dedT(Eq. 1)

From the definition of enthalpy and the equation of state p=ρRT

h=e+pρ=e+RT(Eq. 2)

Differentiate (Eq. 2) with respect to temperature gives

dhdT=dedT+d(RT)dT(Eq. 3)

Inserting the specific heats gives

Cp=Cv+R(Eq. 4)

Dividing (Eq. 4) by Cv gives

CpCv=1+RCv(Eq. 5)

Introducing the ratio of specific heats defined as

γ=CpCv(Eq. 6)

Now, inserting (Eq. 6) in Eqn. \ref{eq:specificheat:c} gives

Cv=Rγ1(Eq. 7)

In the same way, dividing (Eq. 4) with Cp gives

1=CvCp+RCp=1γ+RCp(Eq. 8)

and thus

Cp=γRγ1(Eq. 9)

Isentropic relations

First law of thermodynamics

First law of thermodynamics:

de=δqδw(Eq. 10)

For a reversible process: δw=pd(1/ρ) and δq=Tds

de=Tdspd(1ρ)(Eq. 11)

Enthalpy is defined as: h=e+p/ρ and thus

dh=de+pd(1ρ)+(1ρ)dp(Eq. 12)

Eliminate de in (Eq. 11) using (Eq. 12)

Tds=dhpd(1ρ)(1ρ)dp+pd(1ρ)(Eq. 13)
ds=dhTdpρT(Eq. 14)

Using dh=CpT and the equation of state p=ρRT, we get

ds=CpdTTRdpp(Eq. 15)

Integrating (Eq. 15) gives

s2s1=12CpdTTRln(p2p1)(Eq. 16)

For a calorically perfect gas, Cp is constant (not a function of temperature) and can be moved out from the integral and thus

s2s1=Cpln(T2T1)Rln(p2p1)(Eq. 17)

An alternative form of (Eq. 17) is obtained by using de=CvdT in (Eq. 11), which gives

s2s1=12CvdTTRln(ρ2ρ1)(Eq. 18)

Again, for a calorically perfect gas, we get

s2s1=Cvln(T2T1)Rln(ρ2ρ1)(Eq. 19)

Isentropic Relations

Adiabatic and reversible processes, i.e., isentropic processes implies ds=0 and thus (Eq. 17) reduces to

CpRln(T2T1)=ln(p2p1)(Eq. 20)

CpR=γγ1

γγ1ln(T2T1)=ln(p2p1)

p2p1=(T2T1)γ/(γ1)(Eq. 21)

In the same way, (Eq. 19) gives

ρ2ρ1=(T2T1)1/(γ1)(Eq. 22)


Eqn. (Eq. 21) and Eqn. (Eq. 22) constitutes the isentropic relations

p2p1=(ρ2ρ1)γ=(T2T1)γ/(γ1)(Eq. 23)

Thermodynamic processes

ds=CvdTT+Rdνν(Eq. 24)
dν=νRdsCvνRTdT=νRdsCvpdT(Eq. 25)

for an isentropic process (ds=0), dν<0 for positive values of dT.

ds=CpdTTRdpp(Eq. 26)
dp=pRds+CppRTdT=pRds+CpρdT(Eq. 27)

for an isentropic process (ds=0), dp>0 for positive values of dT.


Since ν decreases with temperature and pressure increases with temperature for an isentropic process, we can see from (Eq. 25) that dν will be greater at lower temperatures and thus isochores (lines of constant specific volume) will be closely spaced at low temperatures and more sparse at higher temperatures. For an isochore dv=0 which implies

0=νR(dsCvdTT)dTds=TCv(Eq. 28)

and thus we can see that the slope of an isochore in a Ts-diagram is positive and that the slope increases with temperature.

In analogy, we can see that an isobar (dp=0) leads to the following relation

0=pR(CpdTTds)dTds=TCp(Eq. 29)

and consequently isobars will also have a positive slope that increases with temperature in a Ts-diagram. Moreover, isobars are less steep than ischores as Cp>Cv.



Governing equations

Governing equations on integral form

The governing equations stems from mass conservation, conservation of momentum and conservation of energy

The Continuity Equation

"Mass can be neither created nor destroyed, which implies that mass is conserved"

The net massflow into the control volume Ω in Fig. \ref{fig:generic:cv} is obtained by integrating mass flux over the control volume surface Ω

Ωρ𝐯𝐧dS(Eq. 30)

Now, let's consider a small infinitesimal volume dV inside Ω. The mass of dV is ρdV. Thus, the mass enclosed within Ω can be calculated as

ΩρdV(Eq. 31)

The rate of change of mass within Ω is obtained as

ddtΩρdV(Eq. 32)

Mass is conserved, which means that the rate of change of mass within Ω must equal the net flux over the control volume surface.

ddtΩρdV=Ωρ𝐯𝐧dS(Eq. 33)

or

ddtΩρdV+Ωρ𝐯𝐧dS=0(Eq. 34)

which is the integral form of the continuity equation.

The Momentum Equation

"The time rate of change of momentum of a body equals the net force exerted on it"
ddt(m𝐯)=𝐅(Eq. 35)

What type of forces do we have?


  • Body forces acting on the fluid inside Ω
    • gravitation
    • electromagnetic forces
    • Coriolis forces
  • Surface forces: pressure forces and shear forces

Body forces inside Ω:

Ωρ𝐟dV(Eq. 36)

Surface force on Ω:

Ωp𝐧dS(Eq. 37)

Since we are considering inviscid flow, there are no shear forces and thus we have the net force as

𝐅=Ωρ𝐟dVΩp𝐧dS(Eq. 38)

The fluid flowing through Ω will carry momentum and the net flow of momentum out from Ω is calculated as

Ω(ρ𝐯𝐧dS)𝐯=Ω(ρ𝐯𝐧)𝐯dS(Eq. 39)

Integrated momentum inside Ω

Ωρ𝐯dV(Eq. 40)

Rate of change of momentum due to unsteady effects inside Ω

ddtΩρ𝐯dV(Eq. 41)

Combining the rate of change of momentum, the net momentum flux and the net forces we get

ddtΩρ𝐯dV+Ω(ρ𝐯𝐧)𝐯dS=Ωρ𝐟dVΩp𝐧dS(Eq. 42)

combining the surface integrals, we get

ddtΩρ𝐯dV+Ω[(ρ𝐯𝐧)𝐯+p𝐧]dS=Ωρ𝐟dV(Eq. 43)

which is the momentum equation on integral form.

The Energy Equation

"Energy can be neither created nor destroyed; it can only change in form"

E1+E2=E3

E1 Rate of heat added to the fluid in Ω from the surroundings
heat transfer
radiation
E2 Rate of work done on the fluid in Ω
E3 Rate of change of energy of the fluid as it flows through Ω
E1=Ωq˙ρdV(Eq. 44)

where q˙ is the rate of heat added per unit mass

The rate of work done on the fluid in Ω due to pressure forces is obtained from the pressure force term in the momentum equation.

E2pressure=Ω(p𝐧dS)𝐯=Ωp𝐯𝐧dS(Eq. 45)

The rate of work done on the fluid in $\Omega$ due to body forces is

E2body forces=Ω(ρ𝐟dV)𝐯=Ωρ𝐟𝐯dV(Eq. 46)
E2=E2pressure+E2body forces=Ωp𝐯𝐧dS+Ωρ𝐟𝐯dV(Eq. 47)

The energy of the fluid per unit mass is the sum of internal energy e (molecular energy) and the kinetic energy V2/2 and the net energy flux over the control volume surface is calculated by the following integral

Ω(ρ𝐯𝐧dS)(e+V22)(Eq. 48)

Analogous to mass and momentum, the total amount of energy of the fluid in Ω is calculated as

Ωρ(e+V22)dV(Eq. 49)

The time rate of change of the energy of the fluid in Ω is obtained as

ddtΩρ(e+V22)dV(Eq. 50)

Now, E3 is obtained as the sum of the time rate of change of energy of the fluid in Ω and the net flux of energy carried by fluid passing the control volume surface.

E3=ddtΩρ(e+V22)dV+Ω(ρ𝐯𝐧dS)(e+V22)(Eq. 51)

With all elements of the energy equation defined, we are now ready to finally compile the full equation

ddtΩρ(e+V22)dV+Ω[ρ(e+V22)(𝐯𝐧)+p𝐯𝐧]dS=

Ωρ𝐟𝐯dV+Ωq˙ρdV
(Eq. 52)

The surface integral in the energy equation may be rewritten as

Ω[ρ(e+V22)(𝐯𝐧)+p𝐯𝐧]dS=

Ωρ[e+pρ+V22](𝐯𝐧)dS
(Eq. 53)

and with the definition of enthalpy h=e+p/ρ, we get

Ωρ[h+V22](𝐯𝐧)dS(Eq. 54)

Furthermore, introducing total internal energy eo and total enthalpy ho defined as

eo=e+12V2(Eq. 55)

and

ho=h+12V2(Eq. 56)

the energy equation is written as

ddtΩρeodV+Ωρho(𝐯𝐧)dS=

Ωρ𝐟𝐯dV+Ωq˙ρdV
(Eq. 57)

Summary

The integral form of the governing equations for inviscid compressible flow has been derived

Continuity:ddtΩρdV+Ωρ𝐯𝐧dS=0
Momentum:ddtΩρ𝐯dV+Ω[(ρ𝐯𝐧)𝐯+p𝐧]dS=Ωρ𝐟dV
Energy:ddtΩρeodV+Ωρho(𝐯𝐧)dS=

Ωρ𝐟𝐯dV+Ωq˙ρdV

Governing equations on differential form

The Differential Equations on Conservation Form

Conservation of Mass

The continuity equation on integral form reads

ddtΩρdV+Ωρ𝐯𝐧dS=0

Apply Gauss's divergence theorem on the surface integral gives

Ωρ𝐯𝐧dS=Ω(ρ𝐯)dV(Eq. 58)

Also, if Ω is a fixed control volume

ddtΩρdV=ΩρtdV(Eq. 59)

The continuity equation can now be written as a single volume integral.

Ω[ρt+(ρ𝐯)]dV=0(Eq. 60)

Ω is an arbitrary control volume and thus

ρt+(ρ𝐯)=0(Eq. 61)

which is the continuity equation on partial differential form.

Conservation of Momentum

The momentum equation on integral form reads

ddtΩρ𝐯dV+Ω[(ρ𝐯𝐧)𝐯+p𝐧]dS=Ωρ𝐟dV

As for the continuity equation, the surface integral terms are rewritten as volume integrals using Gauss's divergence theorem.

Ω(ρ𝐯𝐧)𝐯dS=Ω(ρ𝐯𝐯)dV(Eq. 62)
Ωp𝐧dS=ΩpdV(Eq. 63)

Also, if Ω is a fixed control volume

ddtΩρ𝐯dV=Ωt(ρ𝐯)dV(Eq. 64)

The momentum equation can now be written as one single volume integral

Ω[t(ρ𝐯)+(ρ𝐯𝐯)+pρ𝐟]dV=0(Eq. 65)

Ω is an arbitrary control volume and thus

t(ρ𝐯)+(ρ𝐯𝐯)+p=ρ𝐟(Eq. 66)

which is the momentum equation on partial differential form

Conservation of Energy

The energy equation on integral form reads

ddtΩρeodV+Ωρho(𝐯𝐧)dS=

Ωρ𝐟𝐯dV+Ωq˙ρdV

Gauss's divergence theorem applied to the surface integral term in the energy equation gives

Ωρho(𝐯𝐧)dS=Ω(ρho𝐯)dV(Eq. 67)

Fixed control volume

ddtΩρeodV=Ωt(ρeo)dV(Eq. 68)

The energy equation can now be written as

Ω[t(ρeo)+(ρho𝐯)ρ𝐟𝐯q˙ρ]dV=0(Eq. 69)

Ω is an arbitrary control volume and thus

t(ρeo)+(ρho𝐯)=ρ𝐟𝐯+q˙ρ(Eq. 70)

which is the energy equation on partial differential form

Summary

The governing equations for compressible inviscid flow on partial differential form:

Continuity:ρt+(ρ𝐯)=0
Momentum:t(ρ𝐯)+(ρ𝐯𝐯)+p=ρ𝐟
Energy:t(ρeo)+(ρho𝐯)=ρ𝐟𝐯+q˙ρ

The Differential Equations on Non-Conservation Form

The Substantial Derivative

The substantial derivative operator is defined as

DDt=t+𝐯(Eq. 71)

where the first term of the right hand side is the local derivative and the second term is the convective derivative.

Conservation of Mass

If we apply the substantial derivative operator to density we get

DρDt=ρt+𝐯ρ(Eq. 72)

From before we have the continuity equation on differential form as

ρt+(ρ𝐯)=0(Eq. 73)

which can be rewritten as

ρt+ρ(𝐯)+𝐯ρ=0(Eq. 74)

and thus

DρDt+ρ(𝐯)=0(Eq. 75)

Eq. 75 says that the mass of a fluid element with a fixed set of fluid particles is constant as the element moves in space.

Conservation of Momentum

We start from the momentum equation on differential form derived above

t(ρ𝐯)+(ρ𝐯𝐯)+p=ρ𝐟(Eq. 76)

Expanding the first and the second terms gives

ρ𝐯t+𝐯ρt+ρ𝐯𝐯+𝐯(ρ𝐯)+p=ρ𝐟(Eq. 77)

Collecting terms, we can identify the substantial derivative operator applied to the velocity vector and the continuity equation.

ρ[𝐯t+𝐯𝐯]=D𝐯Dt+𝐯[ρt+ρ𝐯]=0+p=ρ𝐟(Eq. 78)

which gives us the non-conservation form of the momentum equation

D𝐯Dt+1ρp=𝐟(Eq. 79)

Conservation of Energy

The last equation on non-conservation differential form is the energy equation. We start by rewriting the energy equation on differential form (Eq. 70), repeated here for convenience

t(ρeo)+(ρho𝐯)=ρ𝐟𝐯+q˙ρ

Total enthalpy, ho, is replaced with total energy, eo

ho=eo+pρ(Eq. 80)

which gives

t(ρeo)+(ρeo𝐯)+(p𝐯)=ρ𝐟𝐯+q˙ρ(Eq. 81)

Expanding the two first terms as

ρeot+eoρt+ρ𝐯eo+eo(ρ𝐯)+(p𝐯)=

=ρ𝐟𝐯+q˙ρ
(Eq. 82)

Collecting terms, we can identify the substantial derivative operator applied on total energy, Deo/Dt and the continuity equation

ρ[eot+𝐯eo]=DeoDt+eo[ρt+(ρ𝐯)]=0+(p𝐯)=ρ𝐟𝐯+q˙ρ(Eq. 83)

and thus we end up with the energy equation on non-conservation differential form

ρDeoDt+(p𝐯)=ρ𝐟𝐯+q˙ρ(Eq. 84)

Summary

Continuity:DρDt+ρ(𝐯)=0
Momentum:D𝐯Dt+1ρp=𝐟
Energy:ρDeoDt+(p𝐯)=ρ𝐟𝐯+q˙ρ

Alternative Forms of the Energy Equation

Internal Energy Formulation

Total internal energy is defined as

eo=e+12𝐯𝐯(Eq. 85)

Inserted in Eq. 84, this gives

ρDeDt+ρ𝐯D𝐯Dt+(p𝐯)=ρ𝐟𝐯+q˙ρ(Eq. 86)

Now, let's replace the substantial derivative D𝐯/Dt using the momentum equation on non-conservation form (Eq. 79).

ρDeDt𝐯p+ρ𝐟𝐯+(p𝐯)=ρ𝐟𝐯+q˙ρ(Eq. 87)

Now, expand the term (p𝐯) gives

ρDeDt𝐯p+𝐯p+p(𝐯)=q˙ρ

ρDeDt+p(𝐯)=q˙ρ
(Eq. 88)

Divide by ρ

DeDt+pρ(𝐯)=q˙(Eq. 89)

Conservation of mass gives

DρDt+ρ(𝐯)=0𝐯=1ρDρDt(Eq. 90)

Insert in Eq. 89

DeDtpρ2DρDt=q˙DeDt+pDDt(1ρ)=q˙(Eq. 91)
DeDt+pDνDt=q˙(Eq. 92)

Compare with the first law of thermodynamics: de=δqδw

Enthalpy Formulation

h=e+pρDhDt=DeDt+1ρDpDt+pDDt(1ρ)(Eq. 93)

with De/Dt from Eq. 89

DhDt=q˙pDDt(1ρ)+1ρDpDt+pDDt(1ρ)(Eq. 94)
DhDt=q˙+1ρDpDt(Eq. 95)

Total Enthalpy Formulation

ho=h+12𝐯𝐯DhoDt=DhDt+𝐯D𝐯Dt(Eq. 96)

From the momentum equation (Eq. 79)

D𝐯Dt=𝐟1ρp(Eq. 97)

which gives

DhoDt=DhDt+𝐯𝐟1ρ𝐯p(Eq. 98)

Inserting Dh/Dt from Eq. 95 gives

DhoDt=q˙+1ρDpDt+𝐯𝐟1ρ𝐯p=

=1ρ[DpDt𝐯p]+q˙+𝐯𝐟
(Eq. 99)

The substantial derivative operator applied to pressure

DpDt=pt+𝐯p(Eq. 100)

and thus

DpDt𝐯p=pt(Eq. 101)

which gives

DhoDt=1ρpt+q˙+𝐯𝐟(Eq. 102)

If we assume adiabatic flow without body forces

DhoDt=1ρpt(Eq. 103)

If we further assume the flow to be steady state we get

DhoDt=0(Eq. 104)

This means that in a steady-state adiabatic flow without body forces, total enthalpy is constant along a streamline.

The entropy equation

From the second law of thermodynamics

DeDt=TDsDtpDDt(1ρ)(Eq. 105)

From the energy equation on differential non-conservation form internal energy formulation

DeDt=q˙pρ(𝐯)(Eq. 106)

The continuity equation on differential non-conservation form

DρDt+ρ(𝐯)=0𝐯=1ρDρDt(Eq. 107)

and thus

DeDt=q˙+pρ2DρDt(Eq. 108)
DρDt=1ν2DνDt(Eq. 109)
ρDeDt=ρq˙pρν2DνDt=ρq˙ρpDνDt(Eq. 110)
ρ[DeDt+pDνDtq˙]=0DeDt=q˙pDνDt(Eq. 111)

Insert De/Dt in Eqn. \ref{eq:second:law}

q˙pDDt(1ρ)=TDsDtpDDt(1ρ)(Eq. 112)
TDsDt=q˙(Eq. 113)

Adiabatic flow:

TDsDt=0(Eq. 114)

In an adiabatic, steady-state, inviscid flow, entropy is constant along a streamline.

Crocco's equation

The momentum equation without body forces

ρD𝐯Dt=p(Eq. 115)

Expanding the substantial derivative

ρ𝐯t+ρ𝐯𝐯=p(Eq. 116)

The first and second law of thermodynamics gives

Ts=hpρ(Eq. 117)

Insert p from the momentum equation

Ts=h+𝐯t+𝐯𝐯(Eq. 118)

Definition of total enthalpy (ho)

ho=h+12𝐯𝐯h=ho(12𝐯𝐯)(Eq. 119)

The last term can be rewritten as

(12𝐯𝐯)=𝐯×(×𝐯)+𝐯𝐯(Eq. 120)

which gives

h=ho𝐯×(×𝐯)𝐯𝐯(Eq. 121)

Insert h in the entropy equation gives

Ts=ho𝐯×(×𝐯)𝐯𝐯+𝐯t+𝐯𝐯(Eq. 122)
Ts=ho𝐯×(×𝐯)+𝐯t(Eq. 123)

One-dimensional flow

One-dimensional flow

Two-dimensional flow

Two-dimensional flow

Quasi-one-dimensional flow

The Q1D equations

Governing Equations

In the following quasi-one-dimensional flow will be assumed. That means that the cross-section is allowed to vary smoothly but flow quantities varies in one direction only. The equations that are derived will thus describe one-dimensional flow in axisymmetric tubes. Let's assume flow in the x-direction, which means that all flow quantities and the cross-section area will vary with the axial coordinate x.

A=A(x), ρ=ρ(x), u=u(x), p=p(x), ...(Eq. 124)

We will further assume steady-state flow, which means that unsteady terms will be zero.

The equations are derived with the starting point in the governing flow equations on integral form

Continuity Equation

Applying the integral form of the continuity equation on the quasi-one-dimensional flow control volume (Fig. \ref{fig:cv}) gives

ddtΩρdV=0+Ωρ𝐯𝐧dS=0(Eq. 125)
Ωρ𝐯𝐧dS=ρ1u1A1+ρ2u2A2(Eq. 126)
ρ1u1A1=ρ2u2A2(Eq. 127)

Momentum Equation

Applying the integral form of the momentum equation on the quasi-one-dimensional flow control volume (Fig. \ref{fig:cv}) gives

ddtΩρ𝐯dV=0+Ω[ρ(𝐯𝐧)𝐯+p𝐧]dS=0(Eq. 128)
Ωρ(𝐯𝐧)𝐯dS=ρ1u12A1+ρ2u22A2(Eq. 129)
Ωp𝐧dS=p1A1+p2A2A1A2pdA(Eq. 130)

collecting terms

(ρ1u12+p1)A1+A1A2pdA=(ρ2u22+p2)A2(Eq. 131)

Energy Equation

Applying the integral form of the energy equation on the quasi-one-dimensional flow control volume (Fig. \ref{fig:cv}) gives

ddtΩρeodV=0+Ω[ρho(𝐯𝐧)]dS=0(Eq. 132)
Ω[ρho(𝐯𝐧)]dS=ρ1u1ho1A1+ρ2u2ho2A2(Eq. 133)
ρ1u1ho1A1=ρ2u2ho2A2(Eq. 134)

Now, using the continuity equation ρ1u1A1=ρ2u2A2 gives

ho1=ho2(Eq. 135)

Differential Form

The integral term appearing the momentum equation is undesired and therefore the governing equations are converted to differential form.

The continuity equation (Eqn. \ref{eq:governing:cont:b}) is rewritten in differential form as

ρ1u1A1=ρ2u2A2=const(Eq. 136)
d(ρuA)=0(Eq. 137)

The momentum equation (Eqn. \ref{eq:governing:mom:b}) is rewritten in differential form as

(ρ1u12+p1)A1+A1A2pdA=(ρ2u22+p2)A2d[(ρu2+p)A]=pdA(Eq. 138)
d(ρu2A)+d(pA)=pdA(Eq. 139)
ud(ρuA)+ρuAdu+Adp+pdA=pdA(Eq. 140)

From the continuity equation we have d(ρuA) and thus

ρuAdu+Adp=0(Eq. 141)
dp=ρudu(Eq. 142)

which is the momentum equation on differential form. Also referred to as Euler's equation. Finally, the energy equation (Eqn. \ref{eq:governing:cont:b}) is rewritten in differential form as

ho1=ho2=constdho=0(Eq. 143)
ho=h+12u2dh+12d(u2)=0(Eq. 144)
dh+udu=0(Eq. 145)

Summary

Continuity:d(ρuA)=0
Momentum:dp=ρudu
Energy:dh+udu=0

The equations are valid for:

  • quasi-one-dimensional flow
  • steady state
  • all gas models (no gas model assumptions made)
  • inviscid flow


It should be noted that equations are exact but they are applied to a physical model that is approximate, i.e., the approximation that flow quantities varies in one dimension with a varying cross-section area. In reality, a variation of cross-section area would imply flow in three dimensions.

Area-velocity relation

The Area-Velocity Relation

Starting point - the continuity equation (Eqn. \ref{eq:governing:cont}):

d(ρuA)=0ρudA+ρAdu+uAdρ=0(Eq. 146)

divide by ρuA gives

dρρ+duu+dAA=0(Eq. 147)

As the name suggests, the area-velocity relation is a relation including the area and the flow velocity. Therefore, the next step is to replace the density terms.

This can be achieved using the momentum equation (Eqn. \ref{eq:governing:mom})

dp=ρududpρ=udu(Eq. 148)
dpρ=dpdρdρρ=udu(Eq. 149)

If we assume adiabatic and reversible flow processes, i.e., isentropic flow

dpdρ=(dpdρ)s=a2a2dρρ=udu(Eq. 150)
a2dρρ=udu=u2duu(Eq. 151)
dρρ=M2duu(Eq. 152)

Eqn. \ref{eq:governing:mom:b} inserted in Eqn. \ref{eq:governing:cont:b} gives

M2duu+duu+dAA=0(Eq. 153)

or

dAA=(M21)duu(Eq. 154)

which is the area-velocity relation.

From the area-velocity relation (Eqn. \ref{eq:governing:av}), we can learn that in a subsonic flow, the flow will accelerate if the cross-section area is decreased and decelerate if the cross-section area is increased. It can also be seen that for supersonic flow, the relation between flow velocity and cross-section area will be the opposite of that for subsonic flows, see Fig. \ref{fig:areavelocity}. For sonic flow, M=1, the relation shows that dA=0, which means that sonic flow can only occur at a cross-section area maximum or minimum. From the subsonic versus supersonic flow discussion, it can be understood that sonic flow at the minimum cross section area is the only valid option (see Fig. \ref{fig:sonic}).


Area-Mach relation

The Area-Mach-Number Relation

Starting point - the continuity equation (Eqn. \ref{eq:governing:cont}):

d(ρuA)=0ρuA=const(Eq. 155)

This applies everywhere in the nozzle and therefore the sonic conditions can be used as a reference

ρuA=ρ*u*A*={u*=a*}=ρ*a*A*(Eq. 156)

divide by ρuA* gives

ρ*ρa*u=AA*(Eq. 157)

a*/u=1/M* but ρ*/ρ is unknown

ρ*ρ=ρ*ρoρoρ(Eq. 158)

and thus

ρ*ρoρoρ1M*=AA*(Eq. 159)

Using the isentropic relations, we get

ρ*ρo=1[12(γ1)]1/(γ1)(Eq. 160)
ρoρ=[1+12(γ+1)M2]1/(γ1)(Eq. 161)

Eqns. \ref{eq:rho:a} and \ref{eq:rho:b} in Eqn. \ref{eq:areamach:a} gives

AA*=1M*[2+(γ1)M2γ+1]1/(γ1)(Eq. 162)

What remains now is to replace M*

M*2=u2a*2=u2a2a2a*2=u2a2a2ao2ao2a*2=M2a2ao2ao2a*2(Eq. 163)

For a calorically perfect gas a=γRT, which gives

a2ao2=TTo=[1+12(γ1)M2]1(Eq. 164)
ao2a*2=ToT*=12(γ+1)(Eq. 165)

Eqns. \ref{eq:a:a} and \ref{eq:a:b} in Eqn. \ref{eq:mstar:a} gives

M*2=(γ+1)M22+(γ1)M2(Eq. 166)

Now, rewrite Eqn. \ref{eq:areamach:b} as

(AA*)2=1M*2[2+(γ1)M2γ+1]2/(γ1)(Eq. 167)

and insert M*2 from Eqn. \ref{eq:mstar:b}

(AA*)2=2+(γ1)M2(γ+1)M2[2+(γ1)M2γ+1]2/(γ1)(Eq. 168)
(AA*)2=1M2[2+(γ1)M2γ+1]1+2/(γ1)(Eq. 169)
(AA*)2=1M2[2+(γ1)M2γ+1](γ+1)/(γ1)(Eq. 170)

which is the area-Mach-number relation.

For a nozzle flow, the area-Mach-number relation gives the Mach number, M, at any location inside the nozzle as a function of the ratio between the local cross-section area, A, and the throat area at choked conditions, A*.

M=f(AA*)(Eq. 171)


Due to the assumptions made in the derivation, the area-Mach-number relation is only valid for isentropic flows of calorically perfect gases. This means that it cannot be used throughout the divergent part of a convergent-divergent nozzle in case there is a shock within the nozzle. It can, however, be used both upstream and downstream of the shock. Note that A* will change over the shock.


Choked flow

Geometric Choking

For steady-state nozzle flow, the massflow is obtained as

m˙=ρuA=const(Eq. 172)

Eqn. \ref{eq:massflow:a} can be evaluated at any location inside the nozzle and if evaluated at sonic conditions we get

m˙=ρ*u*A*(Eq. 173)

By definition u*=a* and thus

m˙=ρ*a*A*(Eq. 174)

ρ* and a* can be obtained using the ratios ρ*/ρo and a*/ao

ρ*=(ρ*ρo)ρo=poRTo(2γ+1)1/(γ1)(Eq. 175)
a*=(a*ao)ao=ao(2γ+1)1/2=γRTo(2γ+1)1/2(Eq. 176)

Eqns. \ref{eq:as} and \ref{eq:rhos} in Eqn. \ref{eq:massflow:b} gives

m˙=poRTo(2γ+1)1/(γ1)γRTo(2γ+1)1/2A*(Eq. 177)

which can be rewritten as

m˙=poA*ToγR(2γ+1)(γ+1)/(γ1)(Eq. 178)

Eqn. \ref{eq:massflow:c} valid for:

  • quasi-one-dimensional flow
  • steady state
  • inviscid flow
  • calorically perfect gas

It should be noted that the choked massflow can be calculated using Eqn. \ref{eq:massflow:c} even for cases with shocks downstream of the throat.

Nozzle flow

Nozzle flow

add description of nozzle flows here...

Diffusers

Diffusers

Add description and examples here...