CHAPTER 7

Isothermal Flow
{chap:Isothermal}

The gas flow throw a long tube has a applicability in situations which occurs in a relatively long
distance and where heat transfer is relatively rapid so that the temperature can be treated, for
engineering purposes, as a constant. This model is applicable when a natural gas (or other
gases) flows for a large distance. Such situations are common in large cities in U.S.A. where
natural gas is used for heating. It is more predominate (more applicable) in situations where the
gas is pumped for a length of kilometers.
The high speed of the gas is obtained or explained by the combination of heat transfer
and the friction to the flow. For a long pipe, the pressure difference reduces the density of the
gas. For instance, in a perfect gas, the density is inverse of the pressure (it has to be kept in mind
that the gas undergoes a isothermal process.). To maintain conservation of mass, the velocity
increases inversely to the pressure. At critical point the velocity reaches the speed of sound at
the exit and hence the flow will be chocked1 .

To put discussion when the

relatively fast means.

7.1 The control Volume Analysis/Governing equations

Figure 7.1 describes the flow of gas from the left to the right. The heat transfer up stream (or down
stream) is assumed to be negligible. Hence, the energy equation can be written as following:
U2
dQ
= cp dT + d
= cp dT0
m

(7.1)

The momentum equation written as following

AdP w dAwetted area = mdU

(7.2)
where A is the cross section area (it doesnt have to be a perfect circle a close enough shape
is sufficient.). The shear stress is the force per area that acts on the fluid by the tube wall on
the fluid. The Awetted area is the area that shear stress acts on. The second of thermodynamics
reads
s2 s 1
T2
k 1 P2
= ln

ln
(7.3)
Cp
T1
k
P1

explanation is not correct as it will shown later on. Close to the critical point (about, 1/ k, the heat transfer, is
relatively high and the isothermal flow model is not valid anymore. Therefore, the study of the isothermal flow above this
point is academic discussion only.
1 This

83

Perhaps more quantitative

discussion
about
how
circular the shape should
be.



84

CHAPTER 7. ISOTHERMAL FLOW

  
  
        

flow
direction

  
!

c.v.
Fig. 7.1: Control volume for isothermal flow

{fig:iso:CV}

The mass conservation is reduced to

m
= constant = U A

(7.4)

Again it is assumed that the gas is a perfect gas and therefore, equation of state
expressed as following:
P = RT

(7.5)

7.2 Dimensionless Representation

it seems obvious to write this
equation perhaps to consult
with others.

In this section the equations are transformed into the dimensionless form and presented in a
dimensionless form. First it must be recalled that the temperature is constant and therefor,
equation of state reads
dP
d
=
P

(7.6)

It is convenient to define a hydraulic diameter

DH =

4 Cross Section Area

wetted perimeter

(7.7)

Now, the Fanning friction factor2 is introduced, this factor is a dimensionless friction factor
sometimes referred to as the friction coefficient as following:
w
f= 1 2
(7.8)
U
2
Substituting equation (7.8) into momentum equation (7.2) yields
4dx
f
dP
DH

1 2
U
2

z}|{
= U dU

(7.9)

2 It should be noted that Fanning factor based on hydraulic radius, instead of Diameter friction equation, thus "Fanning
f" values are only 1/4th of "Darcy f" values.

7.2. DIMENSIONLESS REPRESENTATION

85

Rearranging equation (7.9) and utilizing the identify for perfect gas M 2 = U 2 /kP yield:


dP
kP M 2 dU
4f dx kP M 2

(7.10)
P
DH
2
U
Now the pressure, P as a function of the Mach number have to substitute along with velocity, U .

Meta
Should this material presented?
U 2 = kRT M 2

(7.11)

Differentiation of equation (7.11) yields

d(U 2 ) = kR M 2 dT + T d(M 2 )

d(U 2 ) dT
d(M 2 )
=

M2
U2
T

(7.12)

(7.13)

Now it can be noticed that dT = 0 for isothermal process and therefore

d(M 2 )
d(U 2 )
2U dU
2dU
=
=
=
M2
U2
U2
U

(7.14)

Meta End
The dimensionalization of the mass conservation equation yields
d dU
d 2U dU
d d(U 2 )
+
=
+
=
+
=0
2

2U

2 U2
Differentiation of the isotropic (stagnation) relationship of the pressure (3.11) yields
!
1
2
dM 2
dP
dP0
2 kM
=
+
2
P0
P
M2
1 + k1
2 M
Differentiation of equation (3.9) yields:


k1 2
k1
dT0 = dT 1 +
M
dM 2
+T
2
2

(7.15)
where is the stagnation equations? put them in a table

(7.16)

(7.17)

Notice that dT0 6= 0 in isothermal flow. There is no change in the actual temperature of
the flow but the stagnation temperature increases or decreases depending on the Mach number
(supersonic flow of subsonic flow). Substituting T for equation (??) yields:

dT0 =
Rearranging equation (7.18) yields

T0
1

k1
2
2 dM

2
+ k1
2 M

M2
M2

dT0
(k 1) M 2 dM 2


=
T0
M2
2 1 + k1
2

(7.18)

(7.19)

put explanation how to derive

this expression.

86

CHAPTER 7. ISOTHERMAL FLOW

Utilizing the momentum equation also requires to obtain a relation between the pressure and density and recalling that in isothermal flow (T = 0) yields
dP
d
=
P

(7.20)

2dU
dM 2
=
2
M
U

(7.21)

From the continuity conservation leads

The four equations momentum, continuity (mass), energy, state are described above.
There are 4 unknowns (M, T, P, )3 and with these four equations the solution is attainable. One
can noticed that there are two possible solutions (because the square power). These different
solutions are super sonic and subsonic solution.
The distance friction, 4fDL , is selected as the choice for the independent variable.
Thus, the equations need to be obtained in the form variable as a function of 4fDL . The density
is eliminated from equation (7.15) when combined with the equation (7.6) to became
dP
dU
=
P
U

(7.22)

Substituting the velocity (7.22) into equation (7.10) and one can obtain


dP
4f dx kP M 2
dP
= kP M 2

P
DH
2
P

(7.23)

Equation (7.23) can be rearranged into

d
dU
1 dM 2
kM 2
dx
dP
=
=
=
=
4f
2
P

U
2 M
2 (1 kM 2 ) D
Similarly or by other path the stagnation pressure can be expressed as a function of

(7.24)
4f L
D

2
kM 2 1 k+1
dx
dP0
2 M

4f
=
2
P0
D
2 (kM 2 1) 1 + k1
M
2
dT0
k (1 k) M 2
dx

4f
=
2
T0
D
2 (1 kM 2 ) 1 + k1
M
2

(7.25)

(7.26)

The variables in equation (7.24) can be separated to obtain integrable form as follows
Z

L
0

4f dx
=
D

1/k
M2

1 kM 2
dM 2
kM 2

(7.27)

It can be noticed that at the entrance (x = 0) for which M = M (the initial velocity to tube isnt
zero.). The term 4fDL is positive for any x, thus, the term on other side has to be positive as
well. To obtain this restriction 1 = kM 2 . Thus, the value M = 1k is the limiting case where
from a mathematical point of view. Mach number larger from M > 1k makes the right hand
3 Assuming

the upstream variables are known.

7.2. DIMENSIONLESS REPRESENTATION

87

side integrate negative. The Physical meaning of this value similar to M = 1 chocked flow which
were discussed in a variable area flow Chapter 3.
Further it can be noticed from equation (7.26) that when M 1k the value of right
hand side approached infinity (). Since the stagnation temperature (T0 ) has a finite value which
means that dT0 . Heat transfer have a limited value therefore model of the flow must be
changed. A more appropriate model is an adiabatic flow model.
Integration of equation (7.27) yields
4f Lmax
D

1 kM 2
+ ln kM 2
kM 2

(7.28)

Using definition for perfect gas of M 2 = U 2 /kRT and

noticing that T = constant can
be used to describe the relation of the properties at M = 1/ k. Denote the supper script of
symbol for the above condition and one can obtain that
1/k
M2
= 2
U2
U

(7.29)

Rearranging equation (7.29) transfered into

U
= kM

(7.30)

Utilizing the continuity equation provides

U = U ; =

1
=

kM

(7.31)

Reusing the perfectgas relationship

1
P
= =
P

kM

(7.32)

Now utilizing the relation for stagnated isotropic pressure one can obtain
P0
P
=

P0
P
Substituting for

P
P

"

k1
2
2 M
+ k1
2k

1+
1

k
# k1

(7.33)

equation (7.32 ) and rearranging yields

P0
1
=
P0
k

2k
3k 1

k
 k1


1+

k1 2
M
2

k
 k1

1
M

(7.34)

And the stagnation temperature at the critical point can be expressed as

2
T0
T 1 + k1
2k
2 M
=
=
T0
T 1 + k1
3k
1
2k

k1
1+
2

M2

These equations (7.30)-(7.35) are represented on in Figure 7.2

(7.35)

88

CHAPTER 7. ISOTHERMAL FLOW

Isothermal Flow
*

P/P , / and T0/T0 as a function of M

1e+02

4fL

or

1e+01

T0/T0
*

P0/P0
1

0.1

0.01

0.1
Fri Feb 18 17:23:43 2005

1
Mach number

10

Fig. 7.2: Description of the pressure, temperature relationships as a function of the Mach number for isothermal flow
{isothermal:fig:basic}

7.3 The Entrance Limitation Of Isothermal Flow Model

Meta
Situations where the condition at the tube exit have not arrived to the critical conditions are
discussed here. It is very useful to obtain the relationship between the entrance and exit
condition in this case. The denotation of 1 and 2 represented the condition at the inlet and
exit respectably. From equation (7.24)
4f L
D

Meta End

4f Lmax 

D

4f Lmax 

D

1 kM1 2
1 kM2 2
=

+ ln
kM1 2
kM2 2

M1
M2

2

(7.36)

7.4 Comparison with Incompressible Flow

Meta
The Mach number of the flow in some instances is relatively small. In these cases, one

7.4. COMPARISON WITH INCOMPRESSIBLE FLOW

89

should expect that the isothermal flow to have similar characters as the flow of incompressible flow. For incompressible flow, the pressure loss is expressed as follows
P1 P 2 =

4f L
D

U2
2

(7.37)

Now note that for incompressible flow U1 = U2 = U and 4fDL represent the ratio of the
traditional h12 . To obtain similar expression for the isothermal flow, a relation between M2
and M1 and pressures has to be derived. From equation (7.37) one can obtained that
M2 = M 1

P1
P2

(7.38)

Substituting this expression into (7.38) yield

4f L
D

1
=
kM1 2

P2
P1

2 !

ln

P2
P1

2

(7.39)

Because f is always positive there is only one solution to above equation even though M2.
In case the no solution and in case only one solution to M2.
Expending the solution for small pressure ratio drop, P1 P2 /P1 , by some mathematics.
denote

P1 P 2
P1

(7.40)

Now equation (7.39) can be transformed into

4f L
D

1
=
kM1 2

4f L
D

4f L
D

P2 P 1 + P 1
P1

2 !

ln

1
P2
P1

!2


2

1
1 
2

ln
1

(1

)
1
kM1 2


1
2
ln
=
2 2
kM1

1
1

2

(7.41)

(7.42)

(7.43)

now we have to expend into series around = 0 and remember that

f (x) = f (0) + f 0 (0)x + f 00 (0)
and for example the first derivative of

x2
+ 0 x3
2

2 
1

=

1 
=0




2
=2
(1 ) (2)(1 )3 (1)
d
ln
d

(7.44)

=0

(7.45)

similarly it can be shown that f 00 ( = 0) = 1 equation (7.43) now can be approximated as

4f L
D

1
2
2
+ f 3
2 (2 ) 2
kM1

(7.46)

discuss why the pressure ratio

must be greater then kM2

90

CHAPTER 7. ISOTHERMAL FLOW

rearranging equation (7.46) yield
4f L
D





2
3
2 (2 ) kM1 (2 ) + f
kM1

and further rearrangement yield





4f L
2
2
+ f 3
2 2(1 kM1 ) 1 + kM1
D =
kM1
when chi is small provide discussion

(7.47)

(7.48)

in cases that is small

4f L
D



2
2

2 2(1 kM1 ) 1 + kM1

kM1

(7.49)

The pressure difference can be plotted as a function of the M1 for given value of 4fDL .
Equation (7.49) can be solved explicitly to produce a solution for
s
1 kM1 2
kM1 2 4f L
1 kM1 2
(7.50)

=
1 + kM1 2
1 + kM1 2
1 + kM1 2 D
A few observations can be made about equation (7.50) The larger value of the solution is
not physically possible because

Meta End
7.5 Supersonic Branch

To add figure from the programs with comparison with

Fanno flow.

book under construction perhaps to general ref at this

stage

Apparently, this analysis/model is over simplified for the supersonic branch and does not produced reasonable results since it neglects to take into account the heat transfer effects. A
dimensionless analysis4 demonstrate that all the common materials that this author is familiar
which create a large error that the fundamental assumption of the model breaks. Nevertheless,
this model can provide a better understanding so the trends and deviations from Fanno flow
model can be understood.
In the supersonic flow, the hydraulic entry length is very large as shown below. However, the feeding diverging nozzle somewhat reduces the required entry length (as opposed to
converging feeding). The thermal entry length is in the order of the hydrodynamic entry length
(Look at the Prandtl number, (0.7-1.0), value for the common gases.). Most of the heat transfer is
hampered in the sublayer thus the core assumption of isothermal flow (not enough heat transfer
so the temperature isnt constant) breaks down5 .
The flow speed at the entrance is very large, over hundred of meters per second.
For example, a flow gas in a tube with for 4fDL = 10 the required Mach number is over 200.
Almost all the perfect gas model substances dealt in this book the speed of sound is a function
of temperature. For this illustration, most gas cases the speed of sound is about 300[m/sec]. For
example, even with low temperature like 200K the speed of sound of air is 283[m/sec]. So, for
even for relatively small tubes with 4fDL = 10 the inlet speed is over 56 [km/sec]. This requires
that the entrance length to be larger than the actual length of the tub for air. Remember from
Fluid Dynamic book
4 This dimensional analysis is a bit tricky, and is based on estimates. Currently and ashamedly this author is looking
for a more simplified explanation. The current explanation is correct but based on hands waving and definitely dose not
satisfied this author.
5 see Kays and Crawford Convective Heat Transfer (equation 12-12).

7.6. FIGURES AND TABLES

91
Lentrance = 0.06

UD

(7.51)

The typical values of the the kinetic viscosity, , are 0.0000185 kg/m-sec at 300K and 0.0000130034
kg/m-sec at 200K. Combine this information with our case of 4fDL = 10
Lentrance
= 250746268.7
D
On the other hand with typical value of friction coefficient f = 0.005 results in
10
Lmax
=
= 500
D
4 0.005
The fact that the actual tube length is only less 1% than the entry length means that the assumption of the isothermal also breaks (as in control large time respond).
Now, if Mach number is changing from 10 to 1 the kinetic energy change is about
T0
=
18.37
which means that maximum of the mount of energy is insufficient.

T0
Now with limitation, this topic will be covered in the next version because it provide
some insight and boundary to Fanno Flow model.

to insert the figure from Van

Dreist also figure 15-4 in Kays
and Crawford.

7.6 Figures and Tables

Table 7.1: The Isothermal Flow basic parameters

M
0.03000
0.04000
0.05000
0.06000
0.07000
0.08000
0.09000
0.10000
0.20000
0.25000
0.30000
0.35000
0.40000
0.45000
0.50000
0.55000
0.60000
0.65000
0.70000
0.75000
0.80000
0.81000
0.81879
0.82758
0.83637
0.84515

4fL
D

785.97
439.33
279.06
192.12
139.79
105.89
82.7040
66.1599
13.9747
7.9925
4.8650
3.0677
1.9682
1.2668
0.80732
0.50207
0.29895
0.16552
0.08085
0.03095
0.00626
0.00371
0.00205
0.000896
0.000220
0.0

P
P

28.1718
21.1289
16.9031
14.0859
12.0736
10.5644
9.3906
8.4515
4.2258
3.3806
2.8172
2.4147
2.1129
1.8781
1.6903
1.5366
1.4086
1.3002
1.2074
1.1269
1.056
1.043
1.032
1.021
1.011
1.000

P0
P0

17.6651
13.2553
10.6109
8.8493
7.5920
6.6500
5.9181
5.3334
2.7230
2.2126
1.8791
1.6470
1.4784
1.3524
1.2565
1.1827
1.1259
1.0823
1.0495
1.0255
1.009
1.007
1.005
1.003
1.001
1.000

28.1718
21.1289
16.9031
14.0859
12.0736
10.5644
9.3906
8.4515
4.2258
3.3806
2.8172
2.4147
2.1129
1.8781
1.6903
1.5366
1.4086
1.3002
1.2074
1.1269
1.056
1.043
1.032
1.021
1.011
1.000

{isothermal:tab:basic}
T0
T0

0.87516
0.87528
0.87544
0.87563
0.87586
0.87612
0.87642
0.87675
0.88200
0.88594
0.89075
0.89644
0.90300
0.91044
0.91875
0.92794
0.93800
0.94894
0.96075
0.97344
0.98700
0.98982
0.99232
0.99485
0.99741
1.000

92

CHAPTER 7. ISOTHERMAL FLOW

To produce this table rum program with:\\

variableName = machV;
int isRange = yes;
whatInfo = infoStandard ;

7.7 Examples
There can be several kind of questions aside the proof questions6 Generally, the engineering or
practical questions can be divided into driving force (pressure difference), resistance (diameter,
friction factor, friction coefficient, etc.), and mass flow rate questions. In this model no questions
about shock (should) exist7 .
The driving force questions deal with what should be the pressure difference to obtain
certain flow rate. Here is an example.
Example 7.1:
A tube of 0.25 [m] diameter and 5000 [m] in length is attached to a pump. What should be the
pump pressure so that a flow rate of 2 [kg/sec] will be achieved. Assume that friction factor
f = 0.005 and the exit pressure
isi 1[bar]. The specific heat for the gas, k = 1.31, surroundings
h
J

temperature 27 C, R = 290 Kkg . Hint calculate the maximum flow rate and then check if this
request is reasonable.
Solution
If the flow was incompressible then for known density, , the velocity can be calculated by utilizing
2
P = 4fDL U2g . In incompressible flow, the density is a function of the entrance Mach number.

The exit Mach number is not necessarily 1/ k i.e. the flow is not choked. First, check whether
flow is choked (or even possible).
Calculating the resistance, 4fDL
4f L
D

4 0.0055000
= 400
0.25

Utilizing the table 7.1 or the program provides

M

4fL
D

0.04331 400.00

P
P

20.1743

P0
P0

12.5921

20.1743

T0
T0

0.89446

The maximum flow rate (the limiting case) can be calculated

by utilizing the above table.


m
The velocity of the gas at the entrance U = cM = 0.04331 1.31 290 300
.
= 14.62 sec
The density reads


P
2, 017, 450
kg
=
=
23.19
=
RT
290 300
m3
The maximum flow rate then reads


kg
(0.25)2
14.62
m
= AU = 23.19
= 16.9
4
sec
The maximum flow rate is larger then the requested mass rate hence the flow is not choked. It
is note worthy to mention that since the isothermal model breaks around the choking point, the
6 The proof questions are questions that ask for proof for finding a mathematical intently (normally good for mathematicians). These questions or example will be in later versions.
7 Those who are mathematically include these kind of questions can exit but there is no real world situations with
isothermal model with shock.

7.7. EXAMPLES

93

flow rate is really some what different. It is more appropriate to assume isothermal model hence
our model is appropriate.
To solve this problem the flow rate has to accounted as


kg
m
= AU = 2.0
sec
m
=

P1 kU
P1
kU
P1
A
=
AkM1
A
=
RT
k
c
kRT
kRT

Now combining with equation (7.38) yields

m
=

M2 =

M2 P2 Ak
c

2 337.59
mc

= 0.103
=
2
P2 Ak

1.31
100000 (0.25)
4

From the table 7.1 or utilizing the program provides

M
0.10300

4fL
D

66.6779

P
P

P0
P0

8.4826

5.3249

8.4826

T0
T0

0.89567

The entrance Mach number obtained by


4f L 

D  = 66.6779 + 400 = 466.68

1

4fL
D

0.04014 466.68

P
P

21.7678

P0
P0

13.5844

21.7678

T0
T0

0.89442

The pressure should be

P = 21.76780 8.4826 = 2.566[bar]
Note that table here above for this example are for k = 1.31
Example 7.2:
A flow of gas was considered for a distance of 0.5 [km] (500 [m]). A flow rate of 0.2 [kg/sec] is
required. Due to safety concerns, the maximum pressure allowed for the gas is only 10[bar].
Assume that the flow is isothermal and k=1.4, calculate the required diameter of tube. The friction
coefficient for the tube can be assumed as 0.028 . Note that tubes are provided in increments of
0.5 [in]9 . You can assume that the soundings temperature to be 27 C.
Solution
At first, the minimum diameter will be obtained when the flow is chocked. Thus, the maximum
M1 that can be obtained when the M2 is at its maximum and back pressure is at the atmospheric
8A
9 It

relative smooth tube of cast iron.

is unfortunate, but is seem that this standard will be around in USA for some time.

94

CHAPTER 7. ISOTHERMAL FLOW

pressure.
Mmax

z}|{
P2
1 1
=
= 0.0845
M1 = M 2
P1
k 10
Now, with the value of M1 either utilizing table 7.1 or using the provided program yields
4fL
D

M
0.08450
With

4f Lmax
D

P
P

94.4310

10.0018

P0
P0

6.2991

10.0018

T0
T0

0.87625

= 94.431 the value of minimum diameter.

D=

4f L
4f Lmax
D

'

4 0.02 500
' 0.42359[m] = 16.68[in]
94.43

However, the pipes are provided only in 0.5 increments and the next size is 17[in] or 0.4318 [m].
With this pipe size the calculations are to be repeated in reversed to produces:

P
P AM k

m
= AU = AM c =
AM kRT =
RT
RT
The usage of the above equation clearly applied to the whole pipe. The only point that must be
emphasis that all properties (like Mach number, pressure and etc) have to be taken at the same
point. The new 4fDL is
4f L
D

M
0.08528

4fL
D

92.6355

4 0.02 500
' 92.64
0.4318

P
P

P0
P0

9.9108

6.2423

9.9108

T0
T0

0.87627

To check whether the flow rate is satisfied the requirement

2
0.0853 1.4
106 0.4318
4

m
=
50.3[kg/sec]
287 300
Since 50.3 0.2 the mass flow rate requirements is satisfied.
It should be noted that P should be replaced by P0 in the calculations. If not see below
The speed of sound at the entrance is
hmi

c = kRT = 1.4 287 300

= 347.2
sec

and the density is



1, 000, 000
kg
P
=
= 11.61
RT
287 300
m3

The velocity at the entrance should be

hmi
U = M c = 0.08528 347.2
= 29.6
sec

7.7. EXAMPLES

95

The diameter should be

D=

4m

=
U

4 0.2

= 0.027
29.6 11.61

Nevertheless, for sake of the exercise the other parameters will be calculated. This situation is
reversed question. The flow rate is given with the diameter of the pipe. It should be noted that
the flow isnt chocked.
Example 7.3:
A flow of gas from a station (a) with pressure of 20[bar] through a pipe with 0.4[m] diameter and
4000 [m] length to a different station (b). The pressure at the exit (station (b)) is 2[bar]. The gas
and the sounding temperature can be assumed to be 300 K. Assume that the flow is isothermal,
k=1.4, and the average friction f=0.01. Calculate the Mach number at the entrance to pipe and
the flow rate.
Solution
First, the information whether the flow is choked needed to be found. Therefore, at first it will be
assumed that the whole length is the maximum length.
4f Lmax
D

with

4f Lmax
D

4 0.01 4000
= 400
0.4

= 400 the following can be written

4f L
D

T0
T0 T

0.0419 400.72021

0.87531

From the table M1 0.0419 ,and

20.19235
P0
P0 T

P
PT

20.19235

P0
P0 T

12.66915

12.67

28
' 2.21[bar]
12.67
The pressure at point (b) utilizing the isentropic relationship (M = 1) pressure ratio is 0.52828.
P0 T
=

P0 T
 = 2.21 0.52828 = 1.17[bar]
P2 = 
P2
P0 T

As the pressure at point (b) is smaller the actual pressure P < P2 than the actual pressure one
must conclude that the flow is not choked. The solution is iterative process.
1. guess reasonably the value of M1 and calculate 4fDL




2. Calculate the value of 4fDL  by subtracting 4fDL  4fDL
2

3. Obtain M2 from the table ? or using the program.

4. Calculate the pressure, P2 in mind that this isnt the real pressure but based on the assumption)
5. Compare the results of guessed pressure P2 with the actual pressure. and chose new M1
accordingly.
Now the process has been done for you and provide in the Figure 15.4 or in table resulted from
the provided program.

96

CHAPTER 7. ISOTHERMAL FLOW

M1
0.0419

M2
0.59338


4f Lmax 

D

400.32131

4f L
D

P2
P1

400.00000

0.10000

The flow rate is

P k D2
2000000 1.4
m
= AM c =
0.22 0.0419
M=
4
300 287
RT
' 42.46[kg/sec]

In this chapter, there are no examples on isothermal with supersonic flow.

7.8 Unchoked situation

M1 isothermal flow
1
0.9
0.8

P2 / P1
P2 / P1
P2 / P1
P2 / P1

0.7

M1

0.6

= 0.8
= 0.5
= 0.2
= 0.10

0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0

10

20

30

Fri Feb 25 17:20:14 2005

{isothermal:fig:M1-fld}

40

50
4fL

60

70

80

90

100

Fig. 7.3: The Mach number at the entrance to a tube under isothermal flow model as a function

4f L
D

7.8. UNCHOKED SITUATION

97

Table 7.9: The flow parameters for unchoked flow

sothermal:tab:unchoked}

M1
0.7272
0.6934
0.6684
0.6483
0.5914
0.5807
0.5708

M2
0.84095
0.83997
0.84018
0.83920
0.83889
0.83827
0.83740

4f Lmax 

D

0.05005
0.08978
0.12949
0.16922
0.32807
0.36780
0.40754

4f L
D

0.05000
0.08971
0.12942
0.16912
0.32795
0.36766
0.40737

P2
P1

0.10000
0.10000
0.10000
0.10000
0.10000
0.10000
0.10000

98

CHAPTER 7. ISOTHERMAL FLOW