Composite material pitot probes, which combine a polymer or metal matrix with reinforcing fibers, offer tailored performance for specific applications, with fiber type dictating key properties.5-Hole Pitotwelcome to click on the website to learn more!
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) probes are lightweight (density ~1.6g/cm??) and have high tensile strength, making them suitable for weight-sensitive uses like drone airflow testing. A CFRP probe weighs 40% less than a stainless steel one of the same size, reducing the load on small drone frames. Their limitation is temperature resistance—most CFRPs degrade above 200°C, though high-performance versions with polyimide matrices can handle up to 300°C.
Glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) probes are more affordable than CFRP and offer better corrosion resistance in mild chemicals (e.g., dilute acids), but they are 20% heavier and less rigid. They are commonly used in agricultural ventilation systems or food processing plants, where cost and chemical resistance matter more than 极致 lightweight.
For higher temperatures, ceramic fiber-reinforced composites (CFRC) are preferred. These can withstand 800-1200°C and are used in engine exhaust testing, where a CFRC probe outlasted a metal probe by 500 hours in a 900°C environment. However, their brittleness requires careful handling during installation.
Metal matrix composites (MMCs), such as aluminum reinforced with boron fibers, bridge the gap between composites and metals, offering better thermal conductivity than polymers and higher strength than pure metals. They are ideal for heat exchanger flow tests, where an MMC probe maintained stable readings despite temperature cycling between 50°C and 200°C, unlike a GFRP probe which warped under similar conditions.
Selecting the right composite involves matching fiber type to the environment: CFRP for low-temperature, lightweight needs; GFRP for cost-sensitive, mild chemical settings; CFRC for high temperatures; and MMCs for thermal cycling applications.