Influence of ideal nozzle geometry on supersonic flow using the method of characteristics

The present study addresses the application of the method of characteristics (MoC) for determining the thermodynamic and flow properties of the supersonic flow field in the divergent section of an ideal contour nozzle (ICN). An algorithm for developing the wall profile of the ICN using MATLAB programmable finite difference computational functions is discussed. Sixteen ICNs having different geometries are analyzed to study the influence of throat geometric parameters on the properties of the fluid in their divergent section. A sudden change in the Mach number or weak shocks is observed in asymmetric nozzles, i.e., nozzles where the radius of curvature on the convergent and divergent sides is different. Furthermore, it is observed that ICNs with an equal convergent and divergent radius of curvature are capable of developing stable supersonic flow in its divergent section.