5-Hole Probes
Full three-dimensional flow vector measurement: total pressure, static pressure, yaw and pitch, at flow angles up to ±45°.
The Full Flow Vector From One Probe
Five pressure ports arranged around the probe tip resolve the full three-dimensional flow vector. From the five readings, total pressure, static pressure and flow direction in both yaw and pitch are determined, even in highly three-dimensional flows.
Probes can be supplied with or without an integrated static ring. In certain conditions the ring improves static pressure accuracy where pressure and velocity gradients are low, for example on the front of an aircraft or UAV. The probes are produced by DMLS in stainless steel, titanium or Inconel, and K-Tec Systems quotes and supplies them in the United States.
At a Glance
- Accuracy ±0.25%
- Flow angle up to ±45°
- Minimum head diameter 2 mm
- Stainless steel, titanium or Inconel, to 980°C
- Optional integrated static ring
5-Hole Probes Specifications
Manufacturer specifications for standard 5-hole probe configurations. Extended-range and custom options, material and lead time are confirmed at quotation.
| Accuracy | ±0.25% |
|---|---|
| Flow angle | Up to ±45° |
| Maximum temperature | 980°C |
| Minimum probe head diameter | 2 mm |
| Materials | Stainless steel (typical), titanium (weight-critical), Inconel (high temperature) |
| Static ring | Available with or without an integrated static ring |
| Manufacturing method | Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) |
| Calibration | Individual calibration across five flow speeds and the full yaw and pitch range; supplied as lookup tables |
More Than a Probe Supplier
K-Tec Systems manufactures the sensing and cabling around the probe in Ferndale, Michigan, so one U.S. team can support the whole measurement chain, from thermocouples and RTDs to wire harnesses.
Manufactured and supported in the U.S.
K-Tec Systems builds custom thermocouples, RTDs, wire harnesses and test stands at our Ferndale, Michigan, facility. The probe, the temperature sensing and the cabling can be specified together, with one U.S. team behind the order.
Flow and temperature at the same point
K-Tec thermocouples and RTDs can be integrated into compatible probe designs, so total pressure and temperature are measured at the same location.
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Thermocouples produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards
Thermocouples for your test article are produced to ISO/IEC 17025 standards at K-Tec Systems.
Where 5-Hole Probes Are Used
VTOL and UAV development
Flow angle and pressure measurement at the front of an aircraft or UAV.
Civil engineering flows
Three-dimensional wind and flow characterization.
Experimental research
Wind tunnel and flow-field surveys that need the complete flow vector.
5-Hole Probes: Frequently Asked Questions
How does a 5-hole probe measure pitch, yaw, total pressure and static pressure?
A 5-hole probe has a center port and four ports spaced around the tip. The pressure difference between opposing side ports gives the flow angle in pitch and yaw. The center port approximates total pressure, and the calibration tables convert all five readings into total pressure, static pressure and the three-dimensional flow vector.
How is each probe calibrated?
Every probe is individually calibrated in the manufacturer’s in-house wind tunnel across five discrete flow speeds and over its full operating yaw and pitch range. Calibration data is supplied as simple lookup tables for real-time acquisition or post-processing.
When should I choose a 5-hole probe over a Kiel probe or yaw pitot?
Choose a 5-hole probe when you need the complete flow vector: total pressure, static pressure and flow direction in both yaw and pitch. A Kiel probe is the better choice when you only need accurate total pressure in flow of unknown angle. A yaw pitot is suited to on-vehicle dynamic pressure and yaw angle.
What is the integrated static ring for?
The optional static ring improves static pressure accuracy where pressure and velocity gradients are low, such as the nose of an aircraft or UAV.
What materials and temperatures are available?
Probes are typically stainless steel. Titanium is available for weight-critical applications and Inconel for operation in flows up to 980°C.
Can a thermocouple or RTD be added?
Yes. K-Tec Systems’ thermocouples and RTDs can be incorporated into compatible probe designs for simultaneous flow and temperature measurement. Contact our team to discuss the configuration.
How do I get a quote?
Call 248-414-4100 or submit the request form below with your flow speed, temperature and mounting requirements. Standard probes include wind-tunnel calibration data.
Not sure which probe fits your test? See the full probe range or call 248-414-4100.
Other Probe Types
All probes are supplied in the U.S. by K-Tec Systems. Visit the fluid measurement probes overview.
Smart 5-Hole Probes
A 5-hole probe with onboard processing, reporting velocity, flow angles, pressure and temperature over USB.
View Smart 5-Hole Probes
Omnidirectional Probes
Flow direction and velocity measurement where the angle is unknown or the flow reverses, at angles up to ±155°.
View Omnidirectional Probes
Kiel Probes
Total pressure measurement accurate to ±0.1% at flow angles up to ±50°, in tip diameters from 1.6 mm and temperatures to 980°C.
View Kiel ProbesRequest a Quote or Application Review
K-Tec Systems provides U.S. sales, application support and order coordination for 5-Hole Probes. Contact us to discuss your test requirements.
Contact K-Tec Systems