Week 2 - Applications on Fluids

Question 1

What is an isentropic process?

Answer 1

One in which P ~ rho^gamma and gamma is the ratio of the heat capacity at constant pressure ({\displaystyle C_{P}}C_{P}) to heat capacity at constant volume

Question 2

What does barotropic mean?

Answer 2

Density is a function of pressure only

Question 3

State Kelvin’s circulation theorem

Answer 3

For inviscid barotropic flow the number of vortex lines threading any surface element that moves with the fluid remains unchanged in time. (It follows from the force equation.)

Question 4

State Bernoulli’s theorem

Answer 4

For steady, inviscid, barotropic flow the velocity, pressure and potential energy form a constant function. (It follows from the force equation)

Question 5

Explain the idea behind a de Laval nozzle

Answer 5

Since subsonic flows speed up as it converges and supersonic flows speed up as it diverges, a hourglass shaped tube can be used to accelerate fluids.