11/18/22, 6:47 PM Flow Compressible Questions and Answers - Sanfoundry

Aerodynamics Questions and Answers – Flow

Compressible
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This set of Aerodynamics Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Flow
Compressible”.

1. The definition of flow being compressible is______

a) M > 0.3
b) M > 0.5
c) Depends on precision required
d) Another name for supersonic flows
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: For the subsonic flows, it depends on the matter of accuracy whether to treat a flow
as compressible or not. For supersonic flows it is always compressible. In general, M > 0.3 can be
regarded as compressible flow.

2. Incompressible flow is a myth actually.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Strictly speaking, all flows are compressible i.e. incompressible flow is a myth
actually. But for all practical applications, flow with Mach number < 0.3 can be assumed
incompressible since the density variation is less than 5%.

3. Prandtl relation for normal shock waves is_______

a) a2=u1u2
b) a*2=u1u2
c) a*a0=u1u2
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d) a =u1u2
2
0

View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: The Prandtl relation for the normal shock waves taking into account combined form
of mass and moment equation and alternate forms of the energy equation. The final equation
comes out in the form of a*2=u1u2, where u1, u2 are velocities before and after the normal shock.

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4. Prandtl relation can also be expressed in terms of characteristic Mach number as 1=M M . ∗
1
∗
2

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: The Prandtl relation is given as a*2=u1u2 while the characteristic Mach number is
given as M*= . So, putting this into the Prandtl relation we get the equation 1=M M where M
u

a
∗
∗
1
∗
2
∗
1

and M are the characteristic Mach number upstream and downstream of the normal shock.
∗
2

5. For a particular gas, Mach number behind the shock wave is a function of which all parameters
ahead of the shock wave. Choose the correct option.
a) Mach number, pressure
b) Mach number only
c) Mach number, temperature
d) Mach number, temperature, pressure
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: The remarkable result for the normal shock wave is that for a given gas (given
gamma), the Mach number ahead of the normal shock wave is a function of the Mach number
ahead of the normal shock wave only, irrespective of pressure, density, temperature etc. The
values are tabulated and found in gas tables for reference.

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11/18/22, 6:47 PM Flow Compressible Questions and Answers - Sanfoundry

6. Which of the following is incorrect for a normal shock wave?

a) M1=1 then M2=1
b) M1 > then M2 > 1
c) M =1→M =1
∗
1
∗
2

d) M1→∞ then M2=finite value

View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: For a normal shock wave, the upstream and downstream Mach numbers are related
irrespective of the other parameters for a particular flow. According to the relation, M1=1 then
M2=1 and M1 > then M2 < 1, since normal shock wave compresses the flow. Also, by Prandtl
relation when M =1→M =1 and when M1→∞ then M2 takes a finite value.
∗
1
∗
2

7. Select the correct statement for a Mach wave.

a) M > 1
b) =0.528
P2

P1

c) =1
T2

T1
ρ2
d) ρ1
=∞

View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: A Mach wave is a normal shock wave of diminishing strength. It occurs for M=1
ρ2
upstream. Then downstream M=1 also. And all the ratios are equal to 1, i.e =1, =1, =1.
P2 T2

P1 T1 ρ1

This can be found by calculation when we put m=1. The properties across Mach wave do not
change.

8. Shock waves can occur both in subsonic and supersonic medium since the concerning equations
are not concerned with whether M > 1 or M < 1.
a) False
b) True
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: Equations of mass, momentum, energy are valid in both super and subsonic
mediums and hence shock wave can occur in both mediums. But, thermodynamics delete the
possibility of shockwaves occurring in subsonic medium. Entropy change is negative if the
upstream medium is subsonic and hence no shock waves occur in subsonic medium, else second
law is violated.

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9. Select the false statement for the normal shock wave.

a) Entropy increases across normal shock wave
b) Normal shock wave has velocity and pressure gradients
c) Shock wave is pretty thick
d) Thermal and frictional dissipation there
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The shock waves are a very thin region and have entropy increase across them. The
normal shock wave has large velocity and temperature gradients across it and hence the
irreversibility. The thermal conduction and frictional effect lead to increase in entropy.

10. Specifying the temperature ratio across the normal shock wave will yield which of the following
across the normal shock wave?
a) Upstream flow velocity
b) Upstream Mach number
c) Downstream temperature
d) Downstream flow velocity
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Specifying a dimensionless quantity across the normal shock wave will specify all the
other ratios and both the upstream and downstream Mach numbers. But for finding the velocity,
temperature also needs to be specified and vice versa.

11. A normal shock wave can be specified with a single velocity.

a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: When the single velocity is given, either upstream or downstream, a host of various
temperatures will give a set of various Mach numbers, and hence different normal shock waves.
But if the temperature is given along with the velocity, both either upstream or downstream, it
specifies the normal shock wave.

12. The total temperature across the normal shock wave is constant. Which statement gives the
wrong reason for this?
a) Adiabatic flow across normal shock wave
b) Normal shock wave has an isentropic flow
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c) Calorifically perfect gas

d) Thermal dissipation there
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: The flow across the normal shock wave is isentropic i.e. it is adiabatic also. Since, we
are concerned with calorically perfect gases in an adiabatic, inviscid, steady flow the total
temperature remains constant. Thermal dissipation is not a reason for total temperature being
constant.

13. Select the false statement for the normal shock wave.
a) Entropy increases across normal shock wave
b) The total pressure remains constant
c) The total temperature remains constant
d) Normal shock wave is a compression wave
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: Across the normal shock wave, the entropy increases, by second law of
thermodynamics. It is a compression wave and the total pressure also changes. It is related to the
entropy change inversely. Also, being an adiabatic flow, total temperature remains constant.

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