Design of Pitot-Static Tube Shapes and Their Influence on Airspeed Measurement Accuracy
Publication: Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 37, Issue 4
Abstract
The conventional pitot-static tube’s accuracy in measuring indicated airspeed is compromised by its longitudinal inclination during forward flight, causing errors when the angle surpasses a critical threshold. This study aimed to propose and assess new designs for pitot-static tube ports to mitigate the angle of attack. Modifications, such as enlarging the inlet cross section, altering the tube port’s leading surface angle, and introducing new inlet openings, were implemented in five prototypes. After 2D CFD simulations, these prototypes were 3D printed, and experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel across angles from 0° to 55° at three airflow speeds. CFD results indicated increased error with larger inlet diameters and revealed an oscillating error phenomenon for multiple inlet openings. Experimental tests contradicted expected accuracy issues with extended diameters, suggesting superior characteristics at higher angles of attack. An oscillating error of pitot-static tubes with multiple holes was affirmed. The study targeted a pitot-static tube port design with a maximum 5% error in airspeed measurement within attack angles from 0° to 40°, showing promise for vertical takeoff and landing vehicle airspeed measurement during horizontal forward flight.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The study was performed as part of the project No. SGS23/140/OHK2/2T/16 (Internal grant agency of the Czech Technical University in Prague). The authors would also like to express their gratitude to Pavel Bescec for his valuable consultations in the field of CFD simulations.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Aerospace Engineering
Volume 37 • Issue 4 • July 2024
Copyright
© 2024 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 15, 2023
Accepted: Feb 12, 2024
Published online: May 13, 2024
Published in print: Jul 1, 2024
Discussion open until: Oct 13, 2024
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