Compressible flow of gases: Pressure losses and discharge coefficients of orifice plates, perforated plates and thick orifice plates in ducts

This Data Item is available as part of the ESDU Sub-series on Fluid Mechanics Internal Flow. Pressure loss and discharge coefficient data for subsonic compressible flow of gases through single or multiple, sharp-edged orifices in thin or thick plates for flow rates up to choking are presented. The mechanics of compressible flow through orifices are discussed briefly with particular attention to sonic flow conditions. The mass flow function, based on orifice entry conditions, that gives maximum mass flow rate is presented and pressure loss coefficients are then expressed as a function of actual mass flow function to this limiting value. All are functions also of porosity and thickness/diameter ratio of the orifice. The data cover a range of porosity between 0.001 and 0.95 and thickness/diameter up to seven.