Consider a subsonic engine inlet (i. e., a diffuser) with an inlet area of 1.5 m² and exit-to-inlet area ratio of 1.44. Air enters the diffuser flowing at 5 kg/s with a static pressure of 0.350 bar and a velocity of 110 m/s. The gases exit the diffuser at a static pressure of 0.375 bar and a velocity of 80 m/s. Assume that the ambient (external) pressure on the walls of the diffuser is 0.340 bar.
(a) For these conditions, what is the force (in units of lbf and N) transmitted to the structure holding the diffuser? Provide both the 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.