What is Prandtl-Meyer relation?
Rachel Hickman
Published Feb 23, 2026
What is Prandtl-Meyer relation?
In aerodynamics, the Prandtl–Meyer function describes the angle through which a flow turns isentropically from sonic velocity (M=1) to a Mach (M) number greater than 1. The maximum angle through which a sonic (M = 1) flow can be turned around a convex corner is calculated for M = .
What is Prandtl-Meyer relation and its significance?
The Prandtl-Meyer function is denoted by the Greek letter nu on the slide and is a function of the Mach number M and the ratio of specific heats gam of the gas. The value of the Prandtl-Meyer function is therefore called the Prandtl-Meyer angle.
What are the assumptions in Prandtl-Meyer flow?
The most important assumption is that this flow phenomenon is only two dimensional. Furthermore it is assumed that all the stream lines are parallel to the surface and straight before the corner, which rules out a turbulent flow.
Are Prandtl-Meyer expansion waves isentropic?
4.14 Prandtl-Meyer Expansion Waves An expansion region is built up of an infinite number of weak Mach waves. Since each Mach wave is isentropic the entire expansion region is isentropic, which means that the isentropic relations may be used over the expansion region.
What is shock expansion theory?
The increase in entropy of the flow along the upper surface of the airfoil is not the same as that for the flow along the lower surface, because the upper and lower shock waves occur at different Mach numbers. …
Why expansion shock is not possible?
Each wave in the expansion fan turns the flow gradually (in small steps). It is physically impossible for the flow to turn through a single “shock” wave because this would violate the second law of thermodynamics.
What is shock expansion?
Shock-Expansion Theory. The combination of oblique-shock relations and Prandtl-Meyer wave relations constitutes Shock-Expansion Theory, which can be used to determine the flow properties and forces for simple 2-D shapes in supersonic flow. Flat-plate supersonic airfoil A flat plate is the simplest supersonic airfoil.
Why are expansion shocks impossible?
Each wave in the expansion fan turns the flow gradually (in small steps). It is physically impossible for the flow to turn through a single “shock” wave because this would violate the second law of Thermodynamics.
What is wave drag in aerodynamics?
Wave Drag is a force, or drag, that retards the forward movement of an airplane, in both supersonic and Transonic Flight, as a consequence of the formation of shock waves.
What are the conditions for occurrence of expansion wave?
Expansion Fans or Waves : The pressure temperature density decreases and the velocity increases. In the case of Expansion wave occurrence the Downstream velocity is always greater than the Upstream velocity . In supersonic flow the Mach number Downstream is greater as compared to the Upstream Flow .
How fast is a shockwave?
typically, a shock-wave in air travels about 340m/s, but can be faster or slower depending on the exact situation. It is also possible to have shock-waves in other media.