COMPRESSIBLE FLOW Meaning and
Definition
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Compressible flow refers to the movement of a fluid, such as a gas, in which there are significant changes in density and pressure due to variations in the fluid's velocity. It is a term commonly used in fluid mechanics and aerodynamics to describe the behavior of gases that can be compressed.
In compressible flow, the density of the fluid is not constant and can vary greatly throughout the flow field. This is in contrast to incompressible flow, where the fluid density remains nearly constant. Compressible flow occurs when the velocity of the fluid approaches or exceeds the speed of sound, leading to changes in pressure and density as a result of the fluid's compressibility.
The properties of compressible flow are governed by various equations, including the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. These equations, such as the Euler equations or the Navier-Stokes equations, describe the fluid's behavior and allow for the prediction of flow properties like pressure, density, and temperature.
Compressible flow phenomena are commonly observed in applications such as high-speed aerodynamics, supersonic jet propulsion, gas dynamics, and rocket propulsion. Understanding and analyzing compressible flow is essential for designing efficient and safe systems in these fields.
In summary, compressible flow is the movement of a fluid in which significant changes in density and pressure occur due to variations in velocity, and is characterized by the compressibility of the fluid.
Etymology of COMPRESSIBLE FLOW
The word "compressible flow" comes from the combination of two key terms: "compressible" and "flow".
1. Compressible: The term "compressible" is derived from the verb "compress", which originated from the Latin word "compressus". "Compressus" is the past participle of "comprimere", where "com" means "together" and "primere" means "to press". Therefore, "compressible" refers to something that can be pressed or squeezed together.
2. Flow: The term "flow" has its roots in the Old English word "flōwan", which means "to flow" or "to stream". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*flōaną", indicating movement or changing position continuously.
