What happens to the pressure of subsonic air as it flows through a convergent nozzle?

In a convergent nozzle, the flow area decreases, causing the velocity of the air to increase as it moves through the nozzle. According to Bernoulli's principle, as the velocity of a fluid increases, its static pressure must decrease if the flow is subsonic. This relationship is fundamental in fluid dynamics, especially for airflows below the speed of sound.

As the subsonic air accelerates through the constricted area, the conservation of mass in conjunction with Bernoulli's equation requires a reduction in pressure. Consequently, although the dynamic pressure increases due to the higher velocity, the static pressure experienced by the air decreased as it passes through the nozzle. This principle underpins the operation of various aerospace components, including jet engines and rocket nozzles, where precise control of airflow and pressure is crucial for efficiency and performance.

Overall, the behavior of subsonic air in a convergent nozzle illustrates essential aerodynamic principles and the relationship between area, velocity, and pressure within fluids.