Compressible pipe flow
Keyword(s):
Gas Flow
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In this chapter gas flow through pipes is analysed, taking account of compressibility and either friction or heat exchange with the fluid. It is shown that in all cases the key parameter is the Mach number. The analyses are based upon the conservation laws for mass, momentum, and energy, together with an equation of state. So that significant results can be achieved, the flowing fluid is treated as a perfect gas, and the flow as one dimensional. Adiabatic pipe flow with wall friction is termed Fanno flow. Frictionless pipe flow with heat transfer is termed Rayleigh flow. It is found that both flows, and also isothermal pipe flow with wall friction, can be limited by choking.