A Spreadsheet for Choked Air Flow Calculation

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Where to Find a Spreadsheet for Choked Air Flow Calculation

To obtain a spreadsheet for choked air flow calculations , click here to visit our spreadsheet store.  Intended for use in making fanno flow calculations with adiabatic compressible flow of air, you can buy a convenient spreadsheet for choked air flow calculations for a very reasonable price.  This spreadsheet will also calculate the frictional pressure drop, and is available in either U.S. or S.I. units.  Read on for information about a choked air flow calculation spreadsheet for compressible pipe flow.

Conditions for Choked Air Flow Calculation with a Fanno Flow Excel Spreadsheet

For flow of air in a pipe with the frictional pressure drop less than 20% of the inlet air pressure, satisfactory results can be obtained using incompressible flow calculations with the Darcy-Weisbach equation.  For background information on that type of calculation, see the article, “Pipe Flow-Friction Factor Calculations with Excel Spreadsheets.”  If the frictional pressure drop is more than 20% of the incoming air pressure, then Fanno Flow equations should be used, as discussed here using a Fanno Flow Excel spreadsheet.

With adiabatic compressible flow conditions, the maximum air flow rate that can pass through a pipe is that which occurs when the exit Mach number is 1.0.  This is referred to as “choked flow.”

Equations for Choked Air Flow Calculations with a Fanno Flow Excel Spreadsheet

Shown below are the primary equations used in the fanno flow excel spreadsheet being discussed here for compressible flow of air in a pipe.  These equations are for compressible pipe flow with negligible heat transfer with the surroundings, but including effects of friction in the flow.

Fanno Flow Excel Spreadsheet EquationsThe parameters in these fanno flow equations are as follows:

  • f = Moody friction factor
  • L = pipe length
  • D = pipe diameter
  • k = adiabatic constant for the flowing air
  • M = mach number
  • T = air temperature
  • P = air pressure
  • ρ = air density

Parameters with an asterisk refer to conditions at the “choke point” in the pipe, where the Mach number is 1.

Screenshot for a Choked Air Flow Calculation Spreadsheet Using Fanno Flow Equations

The screenshot below shows part of a fanno flow excel spreadsheet for making compressible air flow calculations.  These calculations are for air flow in a pipe, in S.I. units. This Excel spreadsheet and others for compressible pipe flow calculations in a fanno flow excel spreadsheet are available in either U.S. or S.I. units at a very reasonable cost  in our spreadsheet store.Choked Air Flow Calculation Spreadsheet

Reference:

Bengtson, Harlan H.,  “Compressible Flow Pressure Drop Calculator Spreadsheet,” an online blog article

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