UNIT II

Isentropic Flow with Variable Area

A steady one dimensional isentropic flow in variable area passages is called

variable area flow. The following assumptions are made in this chapter.

1. The flow is assumed to be a steady flow

If the flow parameters do not vary with time is referred to as steady flow

2. The direction of flow is onedimensional

If the flow parameters do not vary in directions normal to the flow direction is one
dimensional flow.
3. The flow is assumed as isentropic flow
It is assumed that the heat transfer is negligible and there are no other irreversibilities due
to fluid friction etc.,
But the real systems deviate from the above assumed isentropic process. Therefore it is
used as a standard reference for comparing the actual one.
2.1Comparison of Isentropic and Adiabatic processes
Fig 2.1 shows adiabatic and isentropic expansion of a perfect gas between two states I
and 2.

By substituting different values of M (subsonic to supersonic), it yields a graph as

Shown in Fig 2.5

Fig 25 Variation of Area ratio with Mach number

2.5 IMPULSE FUNCTION

For solving jet propulsion problems, it is sometimes convenient to employ a quantity

called impulse function. It is defined as the sum of pressure force and impulse force.

One dimensional flow through a cQntrol surface is shown in Fig 2.6. The net
thrust (or) side wall thrust produced by the stream is a result of changes in
pressure and Mach number between sections 1 and 2 applying momentum
equation between sections 1 and 2. The thrust exerted by the fluid

The above equation is convenient to find the thrust exerted by the flowing fluids
using Mach number M. To obtain a relation between the nondimensional
impulse function and the Mach number the flow is assumed to be isentropic

We can also express the mass flow rate in four different nondimensional forms and are
(i) Mass flow rate interms of pressure ratio
(ii) Mass flow rate interms of area ratio
(iii Mass flow rate interms of Mach number and
(iv) Numerical value of mass flow parameter

12.7 Flows through Nozzles

As we have studied earlier in this chapter. convergent nozzles are used for sonic
and subsonic flows. They can also be used as flow regulating and flow measuring
devices.
Convergent divergent nozzles are used for super sonic flows. They are used in
compressors and turbine blade rows etc.
12.7.1 Convergent nozzles
The flow from an infinite reservoir to an exhaust chamber through a convergent
nozzle is shown is Fig 2.7. The stagnation conditions (Po,To etc) in the reservoir
is kept constant, but the exhaust chamber pressure can be varied by using a valve.

Fig. 2. 7 Isentropic
flow through a con vergetil nozzle

The pressure variation along the length of a nozzle and the exhaust chamber is
shown in Fig 2.7. When there is no flow, the stagnation pressure (P is equal to the
chamber pressure Pb (curve a).
When the chamber pressure is reduced by opening a valve, flow will takes place
and the pressure decreases along the nozzle and up to the nozzle exit. But the
nozzle exit pressure and the chamber pressure both are equal (curves b and c).
The pressure
12.7.2 Convergent divergent nozzles
Fig 2.9 shows the flow from an infinite re through a convergent divergent
nozzle to an exhaust chamber. The experiment is similar to the one above,
except that a converging diverging nozzle is to be used. In curves a, b and c
the acceleration takes place in the convergent part and upto the throat. The
diverging part acts as a diffuser through which the pressure rises to the
chamber pressure Pb. Hence these cunes acts as a Venturi The pressure
ratio at the throat is critical for the curve c.

Fig. 2.9 Flow through a convergent divergent nozzle

Continuous acceleration takes place in curve g, hence it a design curve but
other curves are offdesign curves. When back pressure is further lowered,
the velocity is supersonic after the throat tO a point where discontinuity in the
flow occurs. In curves a and e flow discontinuous and eddies are formed after
the throat which results sudden increase in pressure (shock wave) so that back
pressure is reached.
When the back pressure is lowered further, the shock wave moves
downstream till it reaches the exit as in curve J. The back pressure increases
suddenly through a shock wave and is above the nozzle exit pressure (Pe).
When the back pressure is lowered further, the chamber pressure is reduced
but the nozzle xit pressure is same as the design pressure is shown in Fig 2.9
and 2.10 (a) in curve h.

When the back pressure is reduced, mass flow rate increases and it goes upto the
critical state (c) and then there is no further increase in mass flow with decrease in
back pressure. This condition of flow is chocked flow. The necessary conditions
for this flow is (1) The pressure ratio must be equal to the critical pressure ratio
and the corresponding mach number M = 1

2.7.3 Over expanding and under expanding in nozzles

If the back pressure is greater than the design pressure, the nozzle is said to be
over expanding and if it is less, the nozzle is said to be under expanding
12.7.4 Nozzle efficiency
It is defined as the ratio of actual change or drop in enthalpy to the isentropic
change or drop in enthalpy.

It measures the fraction of available energy of expansion that is converted in to

Kinetic form.
2.81 Flow through Diffusers
Diffusion process is the deceleration of flow with rise in pressure. Fig. 2.1! shows
both reversible and irreversible diffusion of supersonic flow. The covergent part is
supersonic and the divergent part is subsonic.

In an isentropic diffusion, continuous rise in static pressure takes place. In

practical cases this kind of diffusion is not possible; hence a shock is introduced at
the throat section which increases the pressure suddenly. The mach number after
the shock is subsonic (M < 1)

Fig. 2.11 Reversible and irreversible flows in a diffuser