Experimental and numerical acoustic results for Pitot tubes are presented to explore the theoretical basis for an acoustic blockage-detection system. Three Pitot-statics from two different commercial aircraft were computed-tomography scanned to determine their internal geometry, and a finite element acoustic study was performed to determine the variation between blocked and unblocked reflected acoustic waves when subjected to a sinusoidal input. To validate this, supporting experiments were conducted on the same tubes when subjected to a range of blockage types, including tape, predeceased insects, foam, and metal. Experimental and numerical results confirm acoustic detection of all tested blockages is feasible in a quiet environment, for both the total and static pressure measurements, but only if the pressure line forms a clean waveguide along its length. The frequency range for detection is specific to each of the two Pitot designs, but a common feature is that the blocked/unblocked variation diminishes as frequency is raised due to an increase of impedance with frequency. A current limitation of the method is that it has not yet been shown to be operable in flight.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Acoustic Reflectometry for Pitot-Tube Blockage Detection


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Journal of Aircraft ; 55 , 1 ; 325-338


    Publication date :

    2018-01-01




    Type of media :

    Conference paper , Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Acoustic Reflectometry for Pitot Tube Blockage Detection

    Rodrigues, Jocelino / Grey, Steven / Rendall, T. et al. | AIAA | 2017


    System and method for pitot tube blockage detection

    VADADA DIVAKARA RAO / PILLAI DIVYA RAJAN | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access

    PITOT TUBE

    JACOB ROBIN / MAHAPATRA GURU PRASAD / JOHNSON PAUL ROBERT | European Patent Office | 2020

    Free access

    An evaluation of acoustic reflectometry for leakage and blockage detection

    Papadopoulou, K.A. / Shamout, M.N. / Lennox, Barry et al. | Tema Archive | 2008


    HYBRID MATERIAL PITOT TUBE

    JACOB ROBIN / MAHAPATRA GURU PRASAD / JOHNSON PAUL ROBERT | European Patent Office | 2023

    Free access