Why do some supersonic aircraft use a convergent-divergent exhaust duct?

On supersonic aircraft, a typical air inlet duct has either a fixed or variable geometry with a diameter that progressively decreases, then increases from front to back. This convergent-divergent shape is used to slow the incoming airflow to subsonic speed before it reaches the compressor.

Which aircraft engine has convergent-divergent nozzle?

Rocket motors also employ convergent-divergent nozzles, but these are usually of fixed geometry, to minimize weight. Because of the high pressure ratios associated with rocket flight, rocket motor convergent-divergent nozzles have a much greater area ratio (exit/throat) than those fitted to jet engines.

What made supersonic flight possible?

Supersonic flights are so called because they travel faster than the speed of sound. To do this, the aircraft must break through the sound barrier, which requires an efficient aerodynamic design to reduce drag, and considerable thrust from powerful engines to overcome the turbulence caused by shock waves.

What was the first plane to go supersonic?

Bell X-1 rocket
The first aircraft to fly at supersonic speeds was a Bell X-1 rocket-powered research plane piloted by Major Charles E. Yeager of the U.S. Air Force on October 14, 1947.

What is a convergent-divergent exhaust duct?

An exhaust duct used in supersonic aircraft. The cross-sectional area of the duct decreases in the direction of the airflow until it is so small that the gas flow becomes supersonic. Thereafter, the duct enlarges so the gases further speed up above the speed of sound.

What is divergent duct?

A duct whose cross-sectional area increases in the direction of fluid flow. At subsonic speeds, the flow velocity decreases and the pressure rises.

What is the purpose of a convergent exhaust nozzle?

In the convergent-divergent, or C-D nozzle, the convergent section is designed to handle the gases while they remain subsonic, and to deliver the gases to the throat of the nozzle just as they attain sonic velocity.

Can a fighter jet breaking the sound barrier?

The sound barrier understood By the 1950s, many combat aircraft could routinely break the sound barrier in level flight, although they often suffered from control problems when doing so, such as Mach tuck. Modern aircraft can transit the “barrier” without control problems.

How fast did Chuck Yeager fly to break the sound barrier?

All that changed on October 14, 1947, when Yeager flew the X-1 over Rogers Dry Lake in Southern California. The X-1 was lifted to an altitude of 25,000 feet by a B-29 aircraft and then released through the bomb bay, rocketing to 40,000 feet and exceeding 662 miles per hour (the sound barrier at that altitude).