We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Physics

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Static Pressure?

By Adam Hill
Updated: May 21, 2024
Views: 60,308
Share

Static pressure is the pressure that is exerted by a liquid or gas, such as water or air. Specifically, it is the pressure measured when the liquid or gas is still, or at rest. Several different industrial and scientific applications exist for this term, but most have to do with air pressure rather than water pressure. In aviation, for example, a static pressure system is how a plane's altimeter and airspeed indicator operate. In construction, it refers to the pressure that a fan must exert in a ventilation system in order to cause air to flow.

The concept is also an essential one in the science of fluid mechanics. Scientifically, static is distinguished from dynamic pressure, both of which are components of a system's total pressure. This relationship is defined in Bernoulli's equation, and relates to the study of the flow and motion of fluids. The principle of Bernoulli's equation is that static pressure and dynamic pressure may vary greatly in different areas of a fluid in motion, but the total pressure remains constant.

One of the more important areas where an accurate understanding of this type of pressure is important is in the field of aviation. The goal of a plane's altimeter is to measure the air pressure at the height at which it is flying, to determine the altitude. The way this is done is through a small opening in the outside of the aircraft, called the static port.

Unfortunately, no matter where the static port is placed, it will always read an air pressure that is at least slightly different from the local static air pressure at that altitude. This is true whenever the plane is in motion in the air. To attempt to overcome this error, the static port must be placed very carefully by the designer of the aircraft. A well-placed static port will minimize the discrepancy, known as the position error.

In architecture and construction, static pressure refers to a structure's ventilation system, and the way in which the system's components and ductwork resist airflow. It is important to know what this pressure is, because the fan that circulates air through the system must be able to do so effectively. The fan must be strong enough to overcome the resistance exerted by the ventilation system, and to push air through it. In general, the larger and more complicated a ventilation system is, the higher its static pressure.

Share
All The Science is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon278700 — On Jul 08, 2012

The restriction of air flow in the air duct system is going to determine the static pressure?

By anon179346 — On May 23, 2011

@ 3" static what gauge metal do i need?

By anon172402 — On May 03, 2011

How much pressure is inside a paraglider wing?

Is ram air a myth? --Simon

By Amphibious54 — On Aug 07, 2010

HVAC professionals also use static pressure to determine the type of pump necessary for geothermal HVAC systems. It is important to know the static pressure in these HVAC systems because they circulate fluids underground to heat and cool a home.

Static pressure is also measured at the vents to determine the flow of air coming from your HVAC system. Understanding static pressure, negative static pressure, and flow rates is important in the HVAC industry.

By GiraffeEars — On Aug 07, 2010

Static pressure measurements are used in plumbing and irrigation systems too. Static pressure is the measure of a fluid at rest, and determining static pressure is important in determining dynamic pressure (the pressure of a fluid in motion).

Friction and elevation affect the dynamic pressure of a fluid system. An irrigation system that travels uphill will lose pressure for every foot of elevation. Conversely, an irrigation system that flows downhill will increase dynamic pressure.

Most water systems are designed to work best when dynamic pressure is at optimal levels. A water system may need pumps to increase pressure, while a water system with too much pressure may need to increase friction. A plumber or irrigation specialist that understands these concepts will ensure your shower has good pressure, or your sprinkler system waters your entire lawn.

Share
https://www.allthescience.org/what-is-static-pressure.htm
Copy this link
All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

All The Science, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.