ABSTRACT
Diffusers partially convert the kinetic energy of a fluid, at its inlet, into an increased value for the pressure at its exit. The exit static pressure, p r , is referred to as the recovered pressure. Diffusers come in two categories, depending on whether the inlet flow is subsonic or supersonic. Supersonic diffusers can be further subdivided into those where the upstream compression is partly open to the atmosphere, such as in the inlet of an axisymmetric jet engine that has a center spike. Alternatively, a diffuser may be enclosed, as is the case with a wind tunnel. Only an enclosed supersonic diffuser is considered in this chapter.
