FLIGHT MECHANICS

Exercise Problems
CHAPTER 4

Problem 4.1
Consider the incompressible flow of water
through a divergent duct. The inlet velocity
and area are 5 ft/s and 10 ft2, respectively.
If the exit area is 4 times the inlet area,
calculate the water flow velocity at the exit.

Solution 4.1
m 1 A1V1 2 A2V2
A1
1
V2 V1
5 1.25 ft / s
A2
4

Problem 4.2
4.2 In the above problem calculate the
pressure difference between the exit and
the inlet. The density of water is 62.4
Ibm/ft3.

Solution 4.2
p2

v2

p1

v1

dp VdV 0

V12 V22

p2 p1
2

62.4

1.94 slug / ft 3
32.2
52 1.252
22.7lb / ft 2
p2 p1 1.94
2

Problem 4.5
Consider the flow of air through a
convergent-divergent duct, such as the
venturi described in Prob. 4.4. The inlet,
throat, and exit areas are 3, 1.5, and 2 m 2
respectively. The inlet and exit pressures
are 1.02 x 105 and 1.00 x 105 N/m2,
respectively. Calculate the flow velocity at
the throat. Assume incompressible flow
with standard sea-level density.

Solution 4.5
V32
V12
p1
p3
2
2
A
V3 V1 1
A3
V1

2( p1 p3 )

A 2
1 1
A3

A1
3
V2 V1
A2
1 .5

Note that only a

pressure change of
0.02 atm produce this
high speed

2(1.02 1.00)105
102.22m / s
2
3

1.225 1
2

Problem 4.6
An airplane is flying at a velocity of 130
mi/h at a standard altitude of 5000 ft. At a
point on the wing, the pressure is 1750.0
Ib/ft2. Calculate the velocity at that point
assuming incompressible flow.

Solution 4.6
88
V1 130mph 130 197.7 ft / s
60
2
2
p1 V1 p2 V2

2 p1 p2
21760.9 1750
2
V
V1
190.7 4

0.0020482
V2 216.8 ft / s
2
2

Problem 4.7
Imagine that you have designed a low-speed
airplane with a maximum velocity at sea level of
90 m/s. For your airspeed instrument, you plan
to use a venturi tube with a 1.3 : 1 area ratio.
Inside the cockpit is an airspeed indicatora
dial that is connected to a pressure gauge
sensing the venturi tube pressure difference p 1p2 and properly calibrated in terms of velocity.
What is the maximum pressure difference you
would expect the gauge to experience?

Solution 4.7
V12
V22
p1
p2
2
2
A1
V2 V1
A2

Maximum when maximum

velocity 90 m/s and sea level
density; however better
design for over speed during
diving

V A1
1

p1 p2
2 A2

90 2
1.3 2 1 3423N / m 2
p1 p2 1.225
2
2
1

Problem 4.9
Derive an expression for the exit velocity of
a supersonic nozzle in terms of the
pressure ratio between the reservoir and
exit po/pe and the reservoir temperature To.

Solution 4.9
1
1
c pTo V02 c pTe Ve2
2
2
1
ho he Ve2
2
Ve 2c p (T0 Te )
Te pe

T0 p0

pe

Ve 2c pT0 1

p0

Note that the velocity

increases as To goes up
or pressure ratio goes
down; used for rocket
engine performance
analysis

Problem 4.11
The mass flow of air through a supersonic
nozzle is 1.5 Ibm/s. The exit velocity is
1500 ft/s, and the reservoir temperature
and pressure are 1000R and 7 atm,
respectively. Calculate the area of the
nozzle exit. For air, Cp = 6000 ft lb/(slug)
(R).

Solution 4.11
1
c pT0 c pTe Ve2
Energy eq.
2
Ve2
1500 2
Te T0
1000
812.5 R
2c p
2 6000

7 2116 0.0086
p0

RT0 1716 1000

Te

To

e 0

1
1

812.5
0.0086

1000

1
1.4 1

0.0051

1.5
Continuity eq.
e AeVe
32.2
m
1. 5
Ae

0.0061 ft 2
eVe 32.2 0.00511500

No shock wave,
isentropic
relationship

Problem 4.12
A supersonic transport is flying at a
velocity of 1500 mi/h at a standard altitude
of 50,000 ft. The temperature at a point in
the flow over the wing is 793.32R.
Calculate the flow velocity at that point.

Solution 4.12
1 2
1 2
c pT1 V1 c pT2 V2
2
2
V22 2c p T1 T2 V12
88
V1 1500mi / h 1500
ft / s 2200 ft / s
60
V22 2 6000 389.99 7993.32 2200 2
V2 6.3 ft / s
Very low value, almost a stagnant point

Problem 4.14
Calculate the Mach number at the exit of
the nozzle in Prob. 4.11.

Solution 4.14
Ve 1500 ft / s
Te 812.5 R
ae RTe

1.41716 812.5 1397 ft / s

Ve 1500
Me
1.07
ae 1397

Problem 4.17
Calculate the flight Mach number for the
supersonic transport in Prob. 4.12.

Solution 4.17
V 2200 ft / s
a RT

1.41716 389.99 967.94 ft / s

V
2200
M
2.27
a 967.94

Problem 4.18
Consider a low-speed subsonic wind
tunnel with a nozzle contraction ratio of 1 :
20. One side of a mercury manometer is
connected to the settling chamber, and the
other side to the test section. The
pressure and temperature in the test
section are 1 atm and 300 K, respectively.
What is the height difference between the
two columns of mercury when the test
section velocity is 80 m/s?

Solution 4.18
p
1.01*105

1.173kg / m 3
RT 287 300
2

A2
V

1
p1 p2
2
A1

p1 p2 h 1.33 *105 h
2
2

A2
V

1
h
2
A1

0.028m 2.8cm
2
2

Manometer reading

1.173 80
1


1
5
20
1.33 *10 2
2

Problem 4.19
We wish to operate a low-speed subsonic wind tunnel so
that the flow in the test section has a velocity of 200 mi/h
at standard sea-level conditions. Consider two different
types of wind tunnels: (a) a nozzle and a constantarea test section, where the flow at the exit of the test
section simply dumps out to the surrounding
atmosphere, that
is, there is no diffuser, and (b) a
conventional arrangement of nozzle, test section, and
diffuser, where the flow at the exit of the diffuser dumps
out to the surrounding atmosphere. For both wind
tunnels (a) and (b) calculate the pressure differences
across the entire wind tunnel required to operate them
so as to have the given flow conditions in the test
section.

For tunnel (a) the cross-sectional area of

the entrance is 20 ft2, and the crosssectional area of the test section is 4 ft 2.
For tunnel (b) a diffuser is added to (a)
with a diffuser area of 18 ft2. After
completing your calculations, examine
and compare your answers for tunnels (a)
and (b). Which requires the smaller
overall pressure difference? What does
this say about the value of a diffuser
on a subsonic wind tunnel?

Solution 4.19 (a)

V12
V22
p1
p2
2
2
A2
V1 V2
A1
2

A2
V

1
p1 p2
2
A1

2
2

293.32
p1 p2 0.002377
2

4
1

20

2
98.15lb / ft

Solution 4.19 (b)

V32
V12
p1
p3
2
2
A
A
V1 V2 2 , V3 V2 2
A1
A3
2
2

V
A2
A2



p1 p3
2 A3
A1

2
2

2
2

293.3 4
4
2
p1 p2 0.002377

0.959lb / ft

2 18
20
2

Economical to use diffuser (running compressor

or vacuum pump)

Problem 4.20
A Pitot tube is mounted in the test section
of a low-speed subsonic wind tunnel. The
flow in the test section has a velocity,
static pressure, and temperature of 150
mi/h, 1 atm, and 70F, respectively.
Calculate the pressure measured by the
Pitot tube.

Solution 4.20
p
2116

0.00233slug / ft 3
RT 1716 70 460

V 2
p0 p
2
2
0.00233
88
p0 2116
150 *
2
60

0.00233
220 2 2172lb / ft 2
p0 2116
2

Problem 4.22
The altimeter on a low-speed airplane
reads 2 km. The airspeed indicator reads
50 m/s. If the outside air temperature is
280 K, what is the true velocity of the
airplane?

Solution 4.22
p
7.95 *10 4

0.989kg / m 3
RT 287 280
Vtrue

Veq
Vtrue

1.225
50
56m / s
0.989

Problem 4.23
A Pitot tube is mounted in the test section
of a high-speed subsonic wind tunnel.
The pressure and temperature of the
airflow are 1 atm and 270 K, respectively.
If the flow velocity is 250 m/s, what is the
pressure measured by the Pitot tube?

Solution 4.23
a RT 1.4 * 287 * 270 329m / s
V 250
M
0.76
a 329
p0
( 1) M 2

1
p
2

1.4
1.4 1

(1.4 1)0.76

1
1.47
2

p0 1.47 p 1.47 * 1.01*105 1.48 *105

2

Problem 4.24
A high-speed subsonic Boeing 777
airliner is flying at a pressure altitude of
12 km. A Pitot tube on the vertical tail
measures a pressure of 2.96 x 10 4 N/m2.
At what Mach number is the airplane
flying?

Solution 4.24
p 1.94 *10 4

2 p0
2

M1
1 p1

2 2.96 *10

1.4 1 1.94 *10 4

note; at altitude 12 km, p 1.94 *10 4 N/m 2

M 1 0.801
4

1.4 1
1.4

Problem 4.25
A high-speed subsonic airplane is flying at
Mach 0.65. A Pitot tube on the wing tip
measures a pressure of 2339 Ib/ft 2.
What is the altitude reading on the
altimeter?

Solution 4.25
p0
( 1) M 2

1
p
2

1.4
1.4 1

(1.4 1)0.65

1
1.328
2

p
2339
p 0
1761
1.328 1.328
2

Appendix B, pressure altitude reads 5000 ft

Problem 4.27
An airplane is flying at a pressure altitude
of 10 km with a velocity of 596 m/s.
The outside air temperature is 220 K.
What is the pressure measured by a Pitot
tube mounted on the nose of the airplane?

Solution 4.27
a1 RT 1.4 * 287 * 220 297 m / s
M1

V1 596

2.0
a1 297

p02 ( 1) 2 M 12

2
p1 4M 1 2( 1)

Use Rayleigh Pitot tube formula

(1.4 1) 2 2 2

2
4 *1.4 * 2 2(1.4 1)
as p1 2.65 *10 4

1 2M 12
1

1.4
1.4 1

1 1.4 2 *1.4 * 2 2
5.64
1 .4 1

p02 5.64 * 2.65 *10 4 1.49 *105 N / m 2

Problem 4.28
The dynamic pressure is defined as q =
0.5V2. For high-speed flows, where
Mach number is used frequently, it is
convenient to express q in terms of
pressure p and Mach number M rather
than and V. Derive an equation for q =
q(p,M).

Solution 4.28

as

so

1
1 p
p 2
2
2
V
q V
V
2
2 p
2 p

dp
d
c

p
2
1
a

c
d
d

p 2 p V 2 p 2
V 2 M
q
2 p
2 a
2

Problem 4.29
After completing its mission in orbit around
the earth, the Space Shuttle enters the
earth's atmosphere at very high Mach
number and, under the influence of
aerodynamic drag, slows as it penetrates
more deeply into the atmosphere. (These
matters are discussed in Chap. 8.) During
its atmospheric entry, assume that the
shuttle is flying at Mach number M
corresponding to the altitudes h:

h,
km
M

60

50

40

30

20

17

9.5

5.5

Calculate the corresponding values of the

freestream dynamic pressure at each one
of these flight path points. Suggestion:
Use the result from Prob. 4.28. Examine
and comment on the variation of q as the
shuttle enters the atmosphere.

Solution 4.29
h, km

60

50

40

30

20

25.6

87.9

299.8

1.19*103

5.53*103

17

9.5

5.5

5.2*103

5.6*103

6.3*103

7.5*103

3.9*103

p
2
q
M
2

Problem 4.30
Consider a Mach 2 airstream at standard
sea-level conditions. Calculate the total
pressure of this flow. Compare this result
with (a) the stagnation pressure that would
exist at the nose of a blunt body in the flow
and (b) the erroneous result given by
Bernoulli's equation, which of course does
not apply here.

Solution 4.30
Total pressure when the flow is isentropically stopped (true for
supersonic and subsonic)

p0
( 1) M
(1.4 1)2

1
1
p
2
2

p0 7.824 p 7.824 2116 16560

2

1.4
1.4 1

7.824

But there must be a shockwave at the nose (at the stagnation point)

p02 ( 1) M

2
p1 4M 1 2( 1)
2

2
1

1 2M 12
1

1.4
1.4 1

(1.4 1) 2
1 1.4 2 *1.4 * 2 2

5.64
2
1.4 1
4 *1.4 * 2 2(1.4 1)
p02 5.64 * 2.116 1.193 *10 4 lb / ft 2
2

If Bernoullis equation is used accidentally

V 2
p M
p0 p
p
2
2
1.4
p0 2.116
* 2.116 * 2 2 0.804 *10 4 lb / ft 2
2
2

51% error

Problem 4.31
Consider the flow of air through a
supersonic nozzle. The reservoir pressure
and temperature are 5 atm and 500 K,
respectively. If the Mach number at the
nozzle exit is 3, calculate the exit
pressure, temperature, and density.

Solution 4.31

pe p0

( 1) M e
1
2

(1.4 1)32

5 * 1.01*10 1
2

( 1) M e

500 * 0.357 178.6 K

Te T0 1

p0
1.37 *10 4
0

0.267 kg / m 3
RT0 287 178.6
2

1.4
1.4 1

1.37 *10 4

Problem 4.32
Consider a supersonic nozzle across
which the pressure ratio is pe/po = 0.2.
Calculate the ratio of exit area to throat
area.

Solution 4.32

pe
( 1) M e2

1
p0
2

2
pe
0.286
2

Me

5
0
.
2
1 2.92

( 1) p0

M e 1.71

Ae

At
1
1.712

1
2
Me

2
1 2
1 1 2 M e

2
1.4 1
2
1

1
.
71

1 .4 1
2

1
1

1.4 1
1.4 1

1.35

Problem 4.33
Consider the expansion of air through a
convergent-divergent supersonic nozzle. The
Mach number varies from essentially zero in the
reservoir to Mach 2.0 at the exit. Plot on graph
paper the variation of the ratio of dynamic
pressure to total pressure as a function of Mach
number; that is, plot q/ po versus M from M = 0
to M = 2.0.

Solution 4.33
1
p V 2 p 2
2
q V 2 M
2
2 a
2
q M p M
1 2

p
2 p
2
2

3.5
q
0.7 M 2 1 0.2 M 2
p
2

The graph shows that the local dynamic

pressure has a peak value at M=1.4

Problem 4.35
In Prob. 4.34, assume the flow is
completely turbulent. Calculate the
boundary layer thickness at the trailing
edge and the total skin friction drag.
Compare these turbulent results with the
above laminar results.

Solution 4.35
0.37 L
0.37 * 3

0.033m 3.3cm
0.2
7 0 .2
Re L
4.10 *10
turb 3.3

13.75
lar 0.24

Cf

0.0074
0.0074

0 .2
Re L
4.10 *10 7

0.2

0.0022

D f q SC f 2.45 *10 4 * 3 *17.5 * 0.0022 2830 N

top and bottom
D f 2 * 2830 N 5660 N

10.5 times larger than laminar flow

assumption

Problem 4.36
If the critical Reynolds number for
transition is 106, calculate the skin friction
drag for the wing in Prob. 4.34.

Laminar Flow A
Turbulent Flow B

Xcr

Solution 4.36
V xcr
Re cr

Re cr 10 6 *1.7894 *10 5
xcr

7.3 *10 2 m
V
1.225 * 200
D f turb q SC f

0.074
0.074
q
S

q S
0 .2
6 0 .2
Re cr
10

1
1
V2 1.225 * 200 2 2.45 *10 4 N / m 2
2
2
S 7.3 *10 2 m *17.5m

D f turb 146 N

Drag of one side

Calculate drag
force if the
laminar flow
portion A were
turbulent flow

D f total turbulent 2830 N

D f B D f total D f A

turb

Df A

laminar

1328
q SC f
q S
0 .5
Re cr

135

10

2830 146 2684 N

6 0.2

2.45 *10 7.3 *10

4

*17.5 42 N

D f 42 N 2684 N 5452 N
On the wing, it is mostly turbulent flow

Problem 4.37
Let us reflect back to the fundamental equations
of fluid motion discussed in the early sections of
this chapter. Sometimes these equations were
expressed in terms of differential equations, but
for the most pan we obtained algebraic relations
by integrating the differential equations.
However, it is useful to think of the differential
forms as relations that govern the change in
flowfield variables in an infinitesimally small
region around a point in the flow.

(a) Consider a point in an inviscid flow, where

the local density is 1.1 kg/m3. As a fluid
element sweeps through this point, it is
experiencing a spatial change in velocity of
two percent per millimeter. Calculate the
corresponding spatial change in pressure per
millimeter at this point if the velocity at the
point is 100 m/sec. (b) Repeat the calculation
for the case when the velocity at the point is
1000 m/sec. What can you conclude by
comparing your results for the low-speed flow
in part (a) with the results for the high-speed
flow part (b).

Solution 4.37
dp VdV
dV

dp
dV
V
V
V 2
ds
ds
ds
dV

0.02 / mm
ds
dp
1.1 100 2 0.02 220 N / m 2 .mm
ds
dp
1.1 1000 2 0.02 22000 N / m 2 .mm
ds

It requires a much larger pressure gradient in a

high-speed flow

Problem 4.38
The type of calculation in Problem 4.3 is a
classic one for low-speed, incompressible flow,
i.e., given the freestream pressure and velocity,
and the velocity at some other point in the flow,
calculate the pressure at that point. In a highspeed compressible flow, Mach number is more
fundamental than velocity. Consider an airplane
flying at Mach 0.7 at a standard altitude of 3 km.
At a point on the wing, the airflow Mach
number is 1.1. Calculate the pressure at this
point. Assume an isentropic flow.

Solution 4.38
p0
( 1) M
1
p
2

(1.4 1)0.7
1
2

1.4
1.4 1

1.4
1.4 1

1.387

p0
( 1) M
(1.4 1)1.1

1
1
2.135
p
2
2

p0

p
1.387

p
p
p 0.65 * 7.0121*10 4 4.555 *10 4
2.135
p0

Pressure at 3 km altitude
p
2

Problem 4.39
Consider an airplane flying at a standard
altitude of 25,000 ft at a velocity of 800
ft/sec. To experience the same dynamic
pressure at sea level, how fast must the
airplane be flying?

Solution 4.39

Ve

1.0663 *10 3
Ve 800
535.8 ft / s
3
2.3769 *10

Problem 4.40
In Section 4.9, we defined hypersonic flow
as that flow where the Mach number is five
or greater. Wind tunnels with a test
section Mach number of five or greater are
called
hypersonic wind tunnels. From
Eq. (4.88), the exit-to-throat area ratio for
supersonic
exit Mach numbers
increases as the exit Mach number
increases. For hypersonic
Mach
numbers, the exit-to-throat ratio becomes
extremely large, so hypersonic wind
tunnels are designed with long, highexpansion ratio nozzles.

In this and the following problems, let us

examine some special characteristics of
hypersonic wind tunnels. Assume we wish
to design a Mach 10 hypersonic wind
tunnel using air as the test medium. We
want the static pressure and temperature
in the test stream to be that for a
standard altitude of 55 km. Calculate: (a)
the exit-to-throat area ratio, (b) the
required reservoir pressure (in atm), and
(c) the required reservoir temperature.
Examine these results. What do they tell
you about the special (and sometimes
severe) operating requirements for a
hypersonic wind tunnel.

Solution 4.40
Ae

At

1
2
Me

2
1 2
1

Me
1
2

2
1 .4 1 2
1.4 1 1 2 10

1
10 2

1.4 1
1.4 1

1
1

535.9
3.5

po
( 1) M
(1.4 1)10

4.224 *10 4
1
1
pe
2
2

po 4.224 *10 4 48.373 2.053 *10 6 20.3atm \

2
e

( 1) M e2
( 1)10 2
To Te 1
275.78 1
5791K
2
2

The surface of the sun is about 6000k; sacrifice

accuracy because of temperature

Problem 4.41
Calculate the exit velocity of the
hypersonic tunnel in Problem 4.40.

Solution 4.41

1.4 287 275.78 332.9m / s

Ve M e ae 10 332.9 3329m / s
ae RTe

Problem 4.42
Let us double the exit Mach number of the
tunnel in Problem 4.40 simply by adding a
longer nozzle section with the requisite
expansion ratio. Keep the reservoir
properties the same as those in Problem
4.40. Then we have a Mach 20 wind
tunnel, with test section pressure and
temperature considerably lower than in
Problem 4.40, i.e., the test section flow no
longer corresponds to conditions at a
standard altitude of 55 km. Be that as it
may, we have at least doubled the Mach
number of the tunnel.

 Calculate: (a) the exit-to-throat area ratio

of the Mach 20 nozzle, (b) the exit
velocity. Compare these values with
those for the Mach 10 tunnel in Problems
4.40 and 4.41. What can you say about
the differences? In particular, note the
exit velocities for the Mach 10 and Mach
20 tunnels. You will see that they are not
much different. What is then giving the
big increase in exit Mach number?

Solution 4.42
Ae

At
1
20 2

1
2
Me

2
1 2
1 1 2 M e

2
1.4 1 2
1

20
1.4 1
2

( 1) M
Te T0 1

2
e

1.4 1
1.4 1

1
1

28.7 times
increase of exit
area

15377

( 1)20
5791 1

71.5 K

Ve M e ae M e RTe 20 1.4 287 71.5 3390m / s

Not much increase in velocity