druktapjes

Druktapjes, also known as pressure taps or static ports, are small openings in a surface designed to measure static pressure. They are commonly used in aerodynamics, fluid dynamics, and engineering to understand the pressure distribution around an object or within a flow. The principle behind a druk-tap is that by carefully drilling a small hole perpendicular to the surface, the air or fluid flowing over the surface will exert its static pressure onto the opening without being significantly disturbed by the tap itself. This static pressure can then be measured using a manometer, pressure transducer, or other pressure sensing device connected to the tap.

The size and shape of druk-tap openings are critical for accurate measurements. They are typically made as small as possible to minimize flow interference, and their edges are usually rounded or chamfered to prevent turbulence. In aerodynamic applications, druk-tap holes are often arranged in a grid or along a line on the surface of a wing, fuselage, or other component. By measuring the pressure at multiple points, engineers can create a pressure contour map, which reveals crucial information about lift, drag, and flow separation.

Druktapjes are also employed in pipe flow measurements to determine pressure drops or to verify flow models. In these contexts, the taps are placed at specific locations along the pipe wall. The accurate implementation of druk-tap installations requires careful consideration of the flow regime, surface finish, and the method of connecting the sensing instrument to the tap to avoid introducing errors. Despite their simplicity, druk-tapjes remain an essential tool in many scientific and engineering disciplines.