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Isentropic Flow Calculator - Calculate the final pressure

1. What is an Isentropic Flow Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the pressure ratio (\( P_2 / P_1 \)) and final pressure (\( P_2 \)) in an isentropic flow (adiabatic and reversible) based on the formula \( \frac{P_2}{P_1} = \left( \frac{T_2}{T_1} \right)^{\frac{\gamma}{\gamma-1}} \), where \( T_1 \) and \( T_2 \) are the initial and final temperatures, \( P_1 \) is the initial pressure, and \( \gamma \) is the specific heat ratio (typically 1.4 for air).

Purpose: It helps engineers and scientists analyze gas dynamics in applications like aerodynamics, gas turbines, and nozzles, particularly for understanding pressure and temperature changes in isentropic processes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

Calculations are based on the isentropic flow formula:

\[ \frac{P_2}{P_1} = \left( \frac{T_2}{T_1} \right)^{\frac{\gamma}{\gamma-1}} \]

And final pressure is calculated as: \[ P_2 = P_1 \times \left( \frac{T_2}{T_1} \right)^{\frac{\gamma}{\gamma-1}} \] Unit Conversions:

Category Unit Conversion to SI Unit
Pressure (P₁, P₂) Pa (Pascals) 1 Pa
bar 1 bar = 100,000 Pa
psi (Pounds per square inch) 1 psi = 6894.76 Pa
at (Technical atmospheres) 1 at = 98,066.5 Pa
atm (Standard atmospheres) 1 atm = 101,325 Pa
Torr 1 Torr = 133.322 Pa
hPa (Hectopascals) 1 hPa = 100 Pa
kPa (Kilopascals) 1 kPa = 1000 Pa
MPa (Megapascals) 1 MPa = 1,000,000 Pa
inHg (Inches of mercury) 1 inHg = 3386.39 Pa
Temperature (T₁, T₂) K (Kelvin) 1 K
°C (Celsius) °C + 273.15 = K
°F (Fahrenheit) (°F - 32) * 5/9 + 273.15 = K
Specific Heat Ratio γ (Unitless) Typically 1.4 for air (see table below for other gases)

3. Specific Heat Ratio (γ) of Gases

The following table provides specific heat ratio (γ) values for various gases at different temperatures:

Gas and Temperature Specific Heat Ratio (γ)
Air at -181°C 1.597
Air at -76°C 1.453
Air at 20°C 1.410
Air at 100°C 1.404
Air at 400°C 1.387
Air at 1000°C 1.358
Air at 2000°C 1.318
Helium at 20°C 1.660
Hydrogen at 20°C 1.330
Hydrogen at 100°C 1.324
Hydrogen at 200°C 1.320
Hydrogen at 400°C 1.316
Water vapor at -181°C 1.330
Water vapor at -76°C 1.415
Water vapor at 20°C 1.400
Water vapor at 100°C 1.399
Carbon dioxide at 20°C 1.281
Carbon dioxide at 400°C 1.235
Carbon dioxide at 1000°C 1.195
Nitric oxide at 1400°C 1.400
Nitrogen at 20°C 1.370
Nitrogen at 100°C 1.365
Nitrogen at -15°C 1.470
Chlorine at 20°C 1.340
Methane at -74°C 1.350
Ammonia at 20°C 1.320
Ammonia at 15°C 1.310
Neon at 20°C 1.640
Xenon at 20°C 1.660
Krypton at 20°C 1.660
Oxygen at 20°C 1.400
Oxygen at 100°C 1.399
Oxygen at 200°C 1.397
Oxygen at 400°C 1.393
Sulfur dioxide at 15°C 1.290
Mercury vapor at 360°C 1.670
Ethane at 15°C 1.220
Propane at 16°C 1.130

Notes: These values are measured under standard conditions for ideal gases. When you select a gas and temperature, the corresponding specific heat ratio (γ) will automatically fill the input field. You can also enter a custom value for γ.

4. Importance of Isentropic Flow Calculation

Details: Accurate pressure ratio and final pressure calculations are essential for analyzing isentropic processes in gas dynamics, such as in nozzles, compressors, and turbines, ensuring efficient design and performance in aerospace and mechanical engineering.

5. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter Initial Pressure (Pa, bar, psi, at, atm, Torr, hPa, kPa, MPa, inHg), Initial Temperature (K, °C, °F), Final Temperature (K, °C, °F), and Specific Heat Ratio (select a gas/temperature or enter a custom value, typically 1.4 for air). Results include the pressure ratio (P₂/P₁) and final pressure (P₂) in multiple units.

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