PRESSURE PROBES IN FREE MOLECULE FLOW
Abstract
When the mean free path becomes a significant fraction of a characteristic dimension of a pressure probe, the usual continuum formulae relating the measured pressure to the free-stream pressure and Mach number are no longer valid. The case where the mean free path is so large compared with the probe diameter that intermolecular collisions may be neglected is treated. This is the condition for free molecule flow. Theoretical expressions are given for the pressure measured in a flowing gas with an orifice probe and a long-tube pressure probe. Experimental investigations were conducted using a low-density wind tunnel and a rotating-arm apparatus. Agreement between theory and experiment was quite satisfactory. Although this work was done primarily in connection with the flow of low density gases over models in the laboratory, the results are equally applicable to situations encountered in upper atmospheric research. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0265547
Entities
People
- E.l. Harris
- G.n. Patterson
- K.r. Enkenhus
Organizations
- University of Toronto