In fluid dynamics, isentropic expansion waves are created when a supersonic flow is redirected along a curved surface. These waves are studied to obtain a relation between deflection angle and Mach number. Each wave in this case is a Mach wave, so it is at an angle
\alpha=\sin-1\tfrac{1}{M},
In an isentropic wave, the speed changes from to, with deflection . We have oriented the coordinate system orthogonal to the wave. We write the basic equations (continuity, momentum and the first and second laws of thermodynamics) for this infinitesimal control volume.
Assumptions:
The continuity equation is
First term is zero by assumption (1). Now, which can be rewritten as
Now we consider the momentum equation for normal and tangential to shock. For -component,
Second term of L.H.S and first term of R.H.S are zero by assumption (2) and (1) respectively. Then,
Or using equation 1.1 (continuity),
Expanding and simplifying [Using the facts that, to the first order, in the limit as <math>d\theta\rightarrow 0</math>, <math>\cos{d\theta}\rightarrow 1</math> and <math>\sin {d\theta}\rightarrow d\theta</math>], we obtain
But,
so,
and
We skip the analysis of the -component of the momentum and move on to the first law of thermodynamics, which is
First term of L.H.S, next three terms of L.H.S and first term of R.H.S are zero due to assumption (3), (4) and (1) respectively.
where,
For our control volume we obtain
This may be simplified as
Expanding and simplifying in the limit to first order, we get
If we confine to ideal gases,
dh=cpdT
Above equation relates the differential changes in velocity and temperature. We can derive a relation between
M
v
v=Mc=M\sqrt{kRT}</Math>.Differentiating(anddividingthelefthandsideby<math>v
\sqrt{kRT}
Using equation (1.6)
Hence,
Combining (1.4) and (1.7)
We generally apply the above equation to negative
d\theta
d\omega=d\theta
M=1
M
\omega
M=1
Leading to Prandtl-Meyer supersonic expansion function,