Gustaf de Laval
1845 – 1913
The converging–diverging nozzle is his.
A Swedish engineer and prolific inventor, de Laval developed the converging–diverging nozzle that bears his name — the shape that accelerates gas past the speed of sound, and the heart of every rocket and steam-turbine nozzle.
The isentropic-flow and nozzle tools here rely on his geometry. He held over 90 patents, from cream separators to turbines.
Portrait: a stylized blueprint-line rendering, not a photograph.
Contributions in the toolbox
- 1888
The converging–diverging nozzle goes supersonic.
→ Isentropic Flow Ratios - 1889
Runs turbine shafts above critical on flexible spindles.
→ Shaft Critical Speed (Deflection Method)