Simplified Design of Contractions in Supercritical Flow

Abstract

It is shown that minimization of standing waves in supercritical flow in a contraction is equivalent to simultaneous satisfaction of the momentum equation parallel to and perpendicular to the wave front, the continuity equation across the wave front, and continuity through the contraction. Solution of these four governing equations is presented in a graphical form which eliminates the necessity of trial and error in the design procedure. Finally, choking criteria are defined to assist the designer in maintaining supercritical flow through the transition.