Our compressible flow calculator tool quickly computes critical flow properties for gases under varying conditions, providing accurate results to streamline your engineering calculations.
Compressible Flow Calculator
How it works:
This calculator computes the temperature ratio across a normal shock wave in compressible flow given the Mach Number and the specific heat capacity ratio (γ) of the gas. The equation used is derived from the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy for a steady, one-dimensional flow with a normal shock wave.
How to use it:
Enter the Mach Number, which is the speed of the flow divided by the speed of sound in the medium. It should be greater than 1 for supersonic flow. Next, enter the specific heat capacity ratio (γ), typically 1.4 for air at standard conditions. Click on the “Calculate” button to obtain the temperature ratio across a normal shock wave.
Limitations:
This calculator assumes steady, one-dimensional flow with no external heat transfer and is based on a perfect gas model. It will not yield accurate results for complex flows, non-ideal gases, or when heat transfer and chemical reactions occur.