Pitot Tube Calculator

This calculator determines fluid flow velocity using Pitot tube measurements by calculating the pressure difference between static and dynamic pressure.

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Flow Velocity (V)

-- Pa

Calculation Formula

V = √(2(Pdynamic - Pstatic) / ρ)

Where:
V = Flow velocity (m/s)
Pdynamic = Dynamic pressure (Pa)
Pstatic = Static pressure (Pa)
ρ = Fluid density (kg/m³)

Pitot Tube Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Pitot Tube Calculator and understand the principles behind fluid flow measurement.

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the static pressure measured by the Pitot tube (the pressure of the fluid when it is not moving)
  2. Enter the dynamic pressure measured by the Pitot tube (the pressure of the fluid due to its motion)
  3. Enter the density of the fluid (default is 1000 kg/m³ for water at room temperature)
  4. Click the "Calculate" button to determine the flow velocity
  5. The calculator will display the velocity in meters per second (m/s)

Principle of Operation

The Pitot tube works based on Bernoulli's principle, which states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. By measuring the difference between static and dynamic pressure, we can calculate the velocity of the fluid.

The formula used is derived from Bernoulli's equation:

Dynamic Pressure = ½ρv²

Where v is the flow velocity. By rearranging, we get:

v = √(2(Pdynamic - Pstatic) / ρ)

Applications

This calculator is useful in various fields including:

  • Aerospace engineering for measuring airspeed
  • Hydraulic engineering for measuring water flow in pipes and open channels
  • Industrial processes where fluid flow measurement is necessary
  • Environmental monitoring of wind speeds

Important Notes

Ensure that the Pitot tube is properly aligned with the flow direction for accurate measurements. The calculator assumes incompressible flow, which is valid for most liquids and low-speed gas flows. For high-speed gas flows, compressibility effects should be considered.