Question about boundary layer growth in convergent and divergent ducts

AI Thread Summary
Boundary layer growth in convergent ducts during subsonic flow is influenced by the area-velocity relationship, where flow accelerates, leading to a decrease in boundary layer thickness due to an adverse pressure gradient. In contrast, in divergent ducts, the flow decelerates, resulting in a positive pressure gradient that increases boundary layer thickness and decreases wall shear stress. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding pressure gradients in both sections to analyze boundary layer behavior effectively. The comparison between the two duct types illustrates how flow dynamics impact boundary layer characteristics. Overall, the insights provided clarify the relationship between flow behavior and boundary layer development in convergent and divergent ducts.
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How does a boundary layer grow in a convergent duct in subsonic flow? How does this compare to the growth of a boundary layer in a divergent duct in subsonic flow?
Hi,

I was recently reading about convergent-divergent nozzles and was wondering about how boundary layers grow in them.

Question: How does a boundary layer grow in a convergent duct in subsonic flow? How does this compare to the growth of a boundary layer in a divergent duct in subsonic flow?

Given that we are in subsonic flow, ## M < 1 ## and therefore we know from the area-velocity relations that subsonic flow increases speed in the convergent section and decreases speed in the divergent section. I am not really sure what the next steps would be...

Do I need to make arguments about the pressure gradients in the two sections? For example, in the diverging section, there is a positive (unfavorable). This then decreases the free-stream velocity, increases the boundary layer thickness, and decreases the wall shear stress (source: here). Then we could make the opposite argument for the convergent section where there is an adverse pressure gradient which would decrease the boundary layer thickness.

Is this correct?

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
 
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That all sounds pretty good to me.
 
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