The Calculation of Compressible Fluid Flow by the Use of a Generalized Entropy Chart

Calculations of the flow of gases in pipes or ducts of varying cross-sections are important in the design of turbines and compressors, nozzles for various applications, exhaust or radiator ducts, thrust augmenting devices, etc. Provided certain simplifying assumptions are made, there is no difficulty in writing down the basic equations, but when the velocities are comparable to that of sound and compressibility effects cannot therefore be neglected, the solution of the transcendental equations present difficulties which hinder a clear discussion of the physical phenomena. Here the problem is solved by the use of a generalized entropy chart, off which results may be directly read. For example, if the conditions in the reservoir from which the gas is assumed to be discharged are known, the complete conditions at any given cross-section may be read off when two parameters at the section considered are specified. The parameters may include the velocity, pressure, density, temperature, local Mach number, local velocity of sound, area of cross-section, mass flow per unit area, momentum per second, etc. The method is not confined to isentropic flows and may be applied to such problems as the flow in straight pipes or convergent and divergent nozzles including losses by either friction or condensation shocks.

The co-ordinates of the chart are: dimensionless entropy σ = (s—s₀)J/R and dimensionless enthalpy ι = h/h₀ = T/T₀ where the meaning of the symbols is given later. All other variables are expressed in terms of these two co-ordinates and tables for several values of the ratio of specific heats are included to facilitate the drawing of such charts.

The method does not aim at presenting new facts, but its usefulness lies in the provision of a comprehensive graphical means of calculating one-dimensional flow of compressible fluids. The charts lend themselves to the construction of a mechanical device for simplifying their use, such as a portable scale with sliding curves.