NUST-PNEC

Mechanical Engineering

Design of a De Laval Nozzle for use in a Wind

Tunnel

Fluid Mechanics II

Submitted to:
Engr. M. Talish
Group Members:
Abdul Sami ME-1494
Muhammad Umair Adeem ME-1515
Contents
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3
Design Considerations .................................................................................................................................. 3
Problem Statement ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Strategy Towards Solution ............................................................................................................................ 3
Final Model and Simulation .......................................................................................................................... 4
Nozzle Dimensions and Properties at Outlet and Inlet ................................................................................. 5
Calculations ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Cross-Sectional Areas of Nozzle ................................................................................................................ 5
Mass Flow Rate ......................................................................................................................................... 5
Volume of Vacuum Tank ........................................................................................................................... 5
Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................................... 6
Works Cited ................................................................................................................................................... 6
Introduction
Our aim is to design a nozzle that gives supersonic flow to the test section of a wind tunnel upto
30 seconds. And then, the velocity of fluid transitions to subsonic values. A de Laval nozzle is
used for this purpose. The exit of the nozzle has area equal to the area of test section (i.e. 25
cm^2). The test section is then connected to a vacuum tank.

Design Considerations
1. The air behaves ideally, which implies that the following equation is valid:
=
2. The flow is isentropic (i.e. at constant entropy). As a consequence, flow is reversible
(frictionless and no dissipative losses) and adiabatic (no heat gain or heat loss).
3. The gas flow behavior is compressible. (Mach Number ≥ 0.3)

Problem Statement
A wind tunnel is to be designed such that the Mach Number in its test section is 1.5. The ratio
of properties in test section to properties at stagnation point are:

= 0.2724 = 0.6897

The stagnation properties are:

= 100 = 298

It is also required that the flow should change from supersonic to subsonic after 30 seconds.

Strategy Towards Solution

The cross-sectional areas at different points on the nozzle can be calculated using area ratios
from tables for One-Dimensional Isentropic Compressible Flow Functions for Ideal Gas at k=1.4.

Pressure and Temperature in the test section are calculated using given ratios. And the
corresponding values at inlet are calculated from One-Dimensional Isentropic Compressible
Flow Functions for Ideal Gas at k=1.4.
Mass Flow Rate can be calculated in the test section.

= =

Mass flow rate can be used to calculate total mass flow in 30 seconds. Using the energy balance
for the tank will yield the internal energy of the tank which can then be used to calculate
volume of the tank.

Final Model and Simulation

Nozzle Dimensions and Properties at Outlet and Inlet
Property Inlet Outlet
Area (cm^2) 43.419 25
Pressure (kPa) 93.2499 27.24
Temperature (K) 292.6535 205.5305
Mach Number 0.3 1.5

Calculations
Cross-Sectional Areas of Nozzle
= 25

= /1.176 = 21.259

= 2.0351 ∗ = 43.26419

Mass Flow Rate

= 0.2724 ∗ = 27.24

= 0.6897 ∗ = 205.5306

287 ∗ 205.5306 25
= ∗ ∗ (1.5 ∗ 343) = 0.4973 /
27240 10000

Volume of Vacuum Tank

Applying Energy Balance for the vacuum tank:

− + − + − =

ℎ + =
2

= 293.206

Using Ideal Gas Tables for air:

T = 410 K
Using Ideal Gas Law:

V = 64.4463 m^3

Conclusion
Hence, we have successfully designed a nozzle with inlet and outlet Mach Numbers 0.3 and 1.5
respectively.The nozzle is connected to the test setion which is connected to a vacuum pump of
volume 64.4463 m^3. The flow transitions from supersonic to subsonic after 30 seconds.

Works Cited
1. Thermodynamics, An Engineering Approach 8th Edition by Yunus A. Cengel
2. Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics 6th Edition by Bruce R. Munson
3. Wikipedia the free Encyclopedia