Converging-Diverging (CD) or De-Laval nozzles are devices that are used to accelerate fluids to very high speeds. In fact, based on the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet sections, these nozzles are capable of accelerating the fluid to supersonic velocities. For that reason, these types of nozzles are commonly used in propulsion systems of supersonic aircraft and spacecraft, and in supersonic wind tunnels.
In this lesson, we will learn about compressible flow through a CD nozzle and understand the flow behavior at different operating conditions.
Alternate video link.
Here are the accompanying handout slides for this lesson.