Consider a subsonic engine inlet (i.e., a diffuser) with an inlet area of 2300 in2, and an exit/inlet area ratio of 1.44. Air enters the diffuser flowing at 10 lbm/s with a static pressure of 5 psia and a velocity of 120 m/s. The gases exit the diffuser at a state pressure of 5.4 psia and with a velocity of 78 m/s. You should assume the ambient external pressure on the wall of the diffuser is 5.5 psia.
a.) For these conditions, what is the force (in units of lbf and N) transmitted to the structure holding the diffuser? Provide both direction and magnitude of the force, and use a picture to help present your answer.
b.) Based solely on your results, comment on whether the force acting on the diffuser would help speed up or slow down a vehicle that used this diffuser as part of a jet propulsion system.