7 - Fundamentals of Compressible Flow

Summary

This chapter introduces influence of density change on a flow, i.e., the compressible flow theory. Strictly speaking, any gas flow is both viscous and compressible. In tradition the influence of viscosity and compressibility are dealt with separately to make things easy. In this book, the chapter 6 deals with viscosity, and the chapter 7 deals with compressibility. Sound speed and Mach number are introduced in the beginning, then the equations for steady isentropic flow are derived with statics and total parameters introduced. Some gas dynamic functions are derived that use coefficient of velocity in replace of Mach number. Propagation mode of pressure waves are discussed next, and expansion and compression waves are introduced. Shock wave, as a strong compression wave, is discussed in depth. In the end, transonic and supersonic flow in a variable cross-section pipe is discussed, especially the characteristics of the flow in a Laval nozzle.