1.

0 TITLE
Flow characteristic through the convergent-divergent duct.

2.0 OBJECTIVE
a) To study the pressure-mass flow rate characteristic for convergentdivergent duct b) To demonstrate the phenomena of choking.

3.0 INTRODUCTION (BACKGROUND AND THEORY)

Background Converging-Diverging duct is designed to accelerate fluid to supersonic speeds at the nozzle exit. Based on our reading, rockets have used this fact to create an effective propulsion system to reach high velocities. The combination of flows such as subsonic and supersonic and the subsequent change of properties such as pressure, density and temperature have been the point of application in making the rocket. Their operation relies on the ratio between the inlet stagnation pressure P0 and outlet back pressure Pb. The mass flow rate increases till a maximum value is achieved where the Mach number in the throat becomes sonic (Mach no = 1). This is referred to as choked flow. As the ratio is further decreased the flow becomes supersonic in the diverging nozzle, till the design pressure ratio is achieved (0.53 for air) with supersonic flow occurring at the nozzle exit. After this, the flow becomes more complicated and normal and oblique shock waves begin to occur inside and outside of the nozzle respectively. The purpose of this report is to gain an understanding of the nature of this flow by investigating the pressure - mass flow rate characteristics for convergingdiverging duct and demonstrating the phenomena of choking.