(HELP )Compressible vs incompressible flow (QUESTION)

In summary, compressible flow is characterized by a non-constant density and a non-zero divergence of the velocity field. This leads to more complicated equations and formulas compared to incompressible flow, where density can be treated as a constant. The equations for static temperature, static enthalpy, dynamic viscosity, and total pressure are the same for both types of flow, but for compressible flow, the total pressure can also be calculated using the impact pressure. Additionally, the total enthalpy can be calculated as the sum of the static enthalpy and 0.5 times the velocity squared.
  • #1
Jennifer_88
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(HELP PLZ)Compressible vs incompressible flow!(QUESTION)

Ok! I think I know the difference between the two, which is basically the density. My question is actually when is the equation of properties like (Static temperature, Total temperature, Total pressure, Static enthalpy, dynamic viscosity and so on) different between compressible and incompressible flow?

Thanks for the help in advance
 
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  • #2


The simplest definition of compressible flow is that the density is not constant. However, the true definition is that the divergence of the velocity field is not zero. A flow is typically considered compressible when M>0.3.

Either way, nearly every equation and formula changes if the flow is said to be compressible. All of the equations get more complicated because you can no longer treat density as a constant and so its derivatives are no longer zero.

Hopefully that answered your question. If you still have more questions, I suppose just ask them or rephrase the original question if I didn't provide the information you were looking for.
 
  • #3


The static temperature is just the thermodynamic temperature, which is just a function of 2 other intensive variables. Same with the static enthalpy and the dynamic viscosity, so nothing changes here.

For incompressible flow, we can say Total Pressure = Static Pressure + Dynamic Pressure
For compressible flow, we can say Total Pressure = Static Pressure + Impact Pressure
We can say that the total pressure equals the stagnation pressure as long as the flow stagnates isentropically (a good assumption unless we have shocks present).

We can always say Total Enthalpy = Static Enthalpy + 0.5*Velocity^2. If we can say dh=c*dT and c is constant (good assumptions for ideal gases), we like to use Total Temperature = Static Temperature + Dynamic Temperature instead.
 
  • #4


thank you so much for the replay. it was so helpful
 

1. What is the difference between compressible and incompressible flow?

Compressible flow is when the density of the fluid changes due to pressure variations, while incompressible flow is when the fluid density remains constant regardless of pressure changes.

2. What types of fluids exhibit compressible flow?

Gases, such as air, and some liquids at high speeds or under extreme pressure conditions exhibit compressible flow.

3. How is compressibility accounted for in fluid dynamics equations?

The compressibility of a fluid is accounted for by using the compressibility factor, which is a measure of how much the density of the fluid changes with pressure.

4. What are some real-world applications of incompressible flow?

Incompressible flow is commonly seen in everyday situations, such as water flowing through pipes, blood flow in the human body, and air flow over the wings of an airplane.

5. How does compressibility affect the speed of flow?

As the density of a fluid decreases due to compressibility, the speed of flow increases. This is because the same amount of fluid has to pass through a smaller area, resulting in an increase in velocity.

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