The mass flow rate through a convergent nozzle is a crucial parameter in fluid dynamics, especially in the context of compressible flows like those found in rocket nozzles or jet engine exhausts.
A convergent nozzle is a geometric configuration where the cross-sectional area of the flow decreases in the direction of the flow. In the context of a rocket or jet engine, the nozzle is where high-velocity, high-temperature gases are expelled to generate thrust.
The mass flow rate (ṁ) through a nozzle is the mass of fluid passing through the nozzle per unit time. It is given by the product of the fluid density (), velocity (), and the cross-sectional area () through which the fluid is flowing:
where,
- ṁ is the mass flow rate through the convergent nozzle in KGs/sec
- ρ is the density of the medium
- A is the nozzle throat area
- the velocity of the flow in terms of the local speed of sound