Sonic flow in a straight pipe refers to the flow of a fluid, such as air or water, where the flow velocity reaches the speed of sound. This occurs when the fluid is forced through a narrow opening or pipe, causing an increase in velocity and a decrease in pressure.
Sonic flow is a transitional state between subsonic and supersonic flow. In subsonic flow, the fluid velocity is slower than the speed of sound, while in supersonic flow, the fluid velocity is faster than the speed of sound. In sonic flow, the fluid velocity is equal to the speed of sound.
The main factors that affect sonic flow in a straight pipe are the diameter and length of the pipe, the density and viscosity of the fluid, and the inlet pressure. These factors determine the fluid velocity and whether it will reach sonic speed in the pipe.
Sonic flow in a straight pipe has many practical applications, such as in the design of jet engines, supersonic aircraft, and high-speed wind tunnels. It is also used in industries such as oil and gas, where sonic flow is utilized in pipelines for efficient transportation of fluids.
Sonic flow in a straight pipe can be measured using different techniques, such as pressure-based methods or flow visualization techniques. One common method is the use of a Pitot tube, which measures the difference in pressure between the stagnant and moving fluid flow to determine the fluid velocity and whether it has reached sonic speed.