Compressibility Effect in the Axisymmetric Internal Flow Past a Microgap

In this study, a simplified axisymmetric model is proposed for the problem of compressible internal flow past a microgap. Using numerical and experimental methods, the phenomena of choked flows are observed; these flows are induced by the acceleration of subsonic flows past the narrow cross-section of an annular shape made by a microgap. The relation between mass flow rate and differential pressure is obtained, and by comparing the result with experimental results, the reliability of the numerical results is discussed. The generation of a supersonic jet flow and its diffraction are visualized by performing the numerical analysis of axisymmetric compressible Navier-Stokes equations. This investigation greatly extends the physical understanding of the axisymmetric compressible flow, which has a wide range of engineering applications, e.g., in the case of valves in automotive power systems.