Meaning of critical pressure (choked condition) in steam nozzles Statement: The critical pressure corresponds to steam velocity at the throat being equal to the local speed of sound (sonic condition). Decide whether the statement is correct.

ConceptAt the critical pressure ratio, the Mach number at the throat reaches 1 (sonic). The mass flow then attains its maximum for the given inlet state.

ThereforeThe statement equating critical pressure to sonic throat velocity is correct.

Final AnswerTrue