New Methods of Solving the Equations for the Flow of a Compressible Fluid

Authors: Clauser, Francis Hettinger; Clauser, Milton Ure

Year: 1937

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: von Kármán, Theodore

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Aeronautics

DOI: 10.7907/ZAWH-VK93

Abstract

The usual equations for the flow of a compressible fluid are non-linear in character and difficult to solve. It has been found that if the components of velocity are taken as independent variables, the resulting equations are linear. These equations are developed and new forms introduced.

A new function, Γ is introduced and a method advanced for effecting the transformation from the plane where the velocity components are coordinates, to the physical plane where x and y are coordinates.

A new way of finding plausible solutions to investigate is given and the case of flow in a corner is worked out in detail. The flow is found to have an anomalous behavior, the reason for which is explained. This solution is applied to the flow behind a curved shock wave.

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