Simple Predictions for the Sonic Conditions in a Real Gas

Abstract

The steady isentropic flow of a fluid which satisfies an arbitrary equation of state is treated, with emphasis on the prediction of pressure, density, velocity, and massflow at the sonic state. The isentrope P(v) is described by a limited number of thermodynamic parameters, the most important ones being the soundspeed c and fundamental derivative Γ. Using this description, an application of the Bernoulli equation and appropriate thermodynamic relations yields simple closed-form predictions for the sonic state. These predictions are recognizable as generalizations of well-known ideal gas formulas, but are applicable to fluids very far removed from the ideal gas state, even including liquids. Comparisons in several cases for which precise independent solutions are available suggest that the methods found here are accurate. A derived similarity principle allows the accurate prediction of sonic properties from any single given sonic property.