Pitotlaitteet

Pitot-laitteet, commonly known as Pitot tubes, are simple yet effective devices used to measure fluid flow velocity. They are named after the French scientist Henri Pitot, who invented the first version in the early 18th century. The fundamental principle behind a Pitot tube is Bernoulli's principle, which relates fluid pressure to its velocity.

A Pitot tube typically consists of a straight, hollow tube with an opening at the front, facing the direction of the fluid flow. This opening measures the stagnation pressure, which is the pressure of the fluid when it is brought to rest. Inside the tube, there are often additional small openings or a separate tube that measures the static pressure, which is the pressure of the fluid when it is not disturbed by the measurement device. The difference between the stagnation pressure and the static pressure is the dynamic pressure. By applying Bernoulli's equation and knowing the density of the fluid, the velocity of the fluid can be calculated.

Pitot tubes are widely used in various applications, most notably in aviation to measure airspeed. Aircraft are equipped with Pitot tubes to determine their speed relative to the air, which is crucial for safe flight. They are also employed in other fields such as automotive engineering, wind tunnels, and industrial processes to monitor and control fluid flow rates. While effective, Pitot tubes can be susceptible to inaccuracies if they become blocked by ice or debris, and they require calibration for accurate readings.