DISCHARGE COEFFICIENT OF SMALL SONIC NOZZLES

The purpose of this investigation is to understand flow characteristics in mini/micro sonic nozzles, in order to precisely measure and control miniscule flow-rates. Experimental and numerical simulation methods have been used to study critical flow Venturi nozzles. The results show that the nozzle's size and shape influence gas flow characteristics which leading the boundary layer thickness to change, and then impact on the discharge coefficient. With the diameter of sonic nozzle throat decreasing, the discharge coefficient reduces. The maximum discharge coefficient exits in the condition of the inlet surface radius being double the throat diameter. The longer the diffuser section, the smaller the discharge coefficient becomes. Diffuser angle affects the discharge coefficient slightly.