On the cusp of fully grasping Method of Characteristics

  • #1
Benjies
54
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TL;DR Summary
A method used to create geometries for the straightening section of rocket nozzles (as well as other systems)
'Lo all,

I've been studying the Method of Characteristics for quite some time now. I understand all the interactions between characteristic lines, and how they modify the flow Mach number and direction of the flow when these characteristic lines intersect. I have just a couple of hangups that I was hoping this forum might be able to help me with. My primary sources are here:

[1] http://mae-nas.eng.usu.edu/MAE_5540_Web/propulsion_systems/section8/section.8.1.pdf

[2] https://www.ijert.org/research/desi...method-of-characteristics-IJERTV2IS110026.pdf

In [1], at the end of section 2., the author displays that you can find the position of where the two characteristic lines intersect, and then states "thus, helping in developing the supersonic nozzle". Similar information in [2] on slide 21. Trouble is, all these paper have displayed is that you can derive the position of the characteristic line intersection, as well as the change in flow angle (theta), and finally the change in Mach number at this point downstream. But this only provides us the position of characteristic line intersection- this doesn't provide me the position of the wall of my nozzle at all. How has this given me the geometry of my wall?

I fundamentally get how the characteristic lines are generated, and how they interact during intersections. But I seem to be missing something in these sources that displays how wall contour is derived from these characteristic meshes.

Thank you!
 
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  • #2
To be clear- I am asking for HELP with MOC- I am not sharing this for pure information! Probably should have mentioned that in my title, or something.
 

FAQ: On the cusp of fully grasping Method of Characteristics

What is the Method of Characteristics?

The Method of Characteristics is a mathematical technique used to solve partial differential equations (PDEs), particularly hyperbolic and first-order PDEs. It transforms the PDE into a set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) along specific curves called characteristics, which can often be solved more easily.

When is the Method of Characteristics applicable?

The Method of Characteristics is primarily applicable to first-order PDEs and certain types of second-order PDEs, especially hyperbolic equations. It is most useful when the PDE can be transformed into a form where the characteristics can be identified and used to simplify the problem.

How do you find the characteristic curves?

To find the characteristic curves, you typically start by rewriting the PDE in a form that highlights the coefficients of the derivatives. These coefficients are then used to set up a system of ODEs that describe the characteristic curves. Solving these ODEs provides the equations of the characteristic curves along which the original PDE can be simplified.

What are some common applications of the Method of Characteristics?

The Method of Characteristics is widely used in various fields such as fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, and traffic flow analysis. It is particularly useful in solving problems involving shock waves, wave propagation, and other phenomena where the behavior of solutions can be traced along specific paths or curves.

What are the limitations of the Method of Characteristics?

One limitation of the Method of Characteristics is that it is primarily suited for hyperbolic and first-order PDEs. It may not be applicable or straightforward for higher-order or non-hyperbolic PDEs. Additionally, the method can become complex when dealing with boundary conditions or when the characteristic curves intersect, leading to potential difficulties in finding a global solution.

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