Critical pressure condition: behavior of discharge (mass flow rate) Complete the statement about nozzles/orifices: The discharge is ________ at the critical pressure ratio. Choose the correct option.
Mechanical Engineering
Steam Nozzles and Turbines
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
-
AZero
-
BMinimum
-
CMaximum
-
DConstant (independent of pressure ratio)
Answer
Correct Answer: Maximum
Explanation
ConceptFor compressible flow through a converging nozzle, at the critical pressure ratio the flow becomes choked (Mach 1 at the throat) and the mass flow rate reaches its maximum for the given upstream conditions.
ImplicationFurther reduction of downstream pressure will not increase the discharge; it remains at the maximum choked value.
Final AnswerMaximum