Where is the application of method of characteristics?

Optimizing the wing

Designing contour of nozzle

Designing the compressor

Optimizing the shape of the fuselage

Correct Answer : Designing contour of nozzle

Explanation : Despite the method of characteristics being highly intensive in terms of the computational load, the invention of high speed computers have made the possibility to use method of characteristics in designing the contour of the supersonic nozzle.

Recently Updated in Aerodynamics Questions

What is the region of influence?

Area outside right running wave

Area outside the left running wave

Area within the upstream characteristics

Area within the downstream characteristics

Correct Answer : Option (D) : Area within the downstream characteristics

Explanation : For a point A which is present in a flow field with incoming steady supersonic flow, there will be two characteristic lines passing through them. The area formed between these two characteristics in the downstream region is known as region of influence.

For a point in the supersonic flow lying at the intersection of the characteristics, its flow field properties depend on change in which of these regions?

Region of influence

Domain of dependence

Region outside the characteristics

Intersection points of the characteristics

Correct Answer : Option (B) : Domain of dependence

Explaination : If a point P lies at the intersection of the left and right running waves, the flow field properties at point P is dependent on the flow field information in the region upstream i.e. domain of dependence.

On which of these points does the properties of flow field at point A depend?

Point B

Point C

Point D

Point P

Correct Answer : Option (D) : Point P

Explaination : Point P lies at the intersection of the two characteristic lines. Point A lies in the region of influence thus its flow properties depend on the properties generated due to disturbances at point P which is the intersection point.