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Consider a steady flow through a horizontal divergent channel, as shown in the figure, with supersonic flow at the inlet. The direction of flow is from left to right. Pressure at location B is observed to be higher than that at an upstream location A. Which among the following options can be the reason?

1. Since volume flow rate is constant, velocity at B is lower than velocity at A
2. Normal shock
3. Viscous effect
4. Boundary layer separation

Correct answer: Normal shock

Solution

A normal shock wave in a supersonic flow causes a sudden decrease in velocity and an increase in pressure. This phenomenon explains why the pressure at location B is higher than at location A, as the shock wave transitions the flow from supersonic to subsonic conditions.

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