Interference Tests on NACA Pitot Tubes

Abstract

In connection with the standardization of instruments used in the wind tunnel, this investigation was undertaken to determine the nature and magnitude of the errors inherent in the measurement of air speed by a pitot tube when the instrument is mounted close to some other body. The mounting of the instrument in proximity to some other body is so frequent in flight and in wind tunnel research that it seemed advisable to investigate thoroughly the magnitude of the possible errors caused by such proximity. The results of this investigation will facilitate comparisons of the errors due to interference which have been reduced to percentages of the air-speed readings obtained under conditions of no interference.