Question

Normal shock diffuser is less efficient than the oblique shock diffuser.

(a) True

(b) False

I got this question in an online quiz.

Enquiry is from Supersonic Wind Tunnels in division Compressible Flow through Nozzles, Diffusers and Wind Tunnels of Aerodynamics

Answer 1

Correct option is (a) True

Best explanation: The goal of the diffuser is to reduce the flow velocity with small total pressure loss. If we reduce the incoming supersonic flow through a series of oblique shock followed by a weak normal shock wave, leads to lower total pressure loss compared to reducing the incoming supersonic flow to subsonic using one strong normal shock.