Numerical analysis and optimisation of multi-hole pressure probe geometry

Multi-hole pressure probes are extensively used to characterise three dimensional flows in difficult applications [1,2]. These probes provide sufficiently accurate information about flow velocity. They have the advantages of being, usable with high temperature fluids, are simple to fit and have practically no additional flow losses
In this paper the influence of the probe geometry and flow conditions on the calibration coefficients have been reported. The values and ranges of variations of the coefficients established in the model have been assessed on the basis of the numerically computed velocity and pressure fields around and inside the probe [3]. For this probe interior details have been modelled fairly accurately to resemble the actual five-hole probe. The flow field has been predicted using computational fluid dynamics and the characteristics linking the values of the four flow coefficients with values of yaw have been presented. The conclusions have been formulated taking flow metrology needs into account.