In aircraft design and engineering, “inlet pressure” refers to the pressure of a fluid (typically air or a mixture of gases) at the entrance or inlet of a component or system, such as a compressor or intake. Inlet pressure is a crucial parameter for assessing engine performance, aerodynamics, and overall aircraft design.
The formula for calculating inlet pressure (P_inlet) can be defined simply as:
- P_inlet is the inlet pressure, typically measured in pascals (Pa) or pounds per square inch (psi).
- Outlet Pressure represents the pressure of the fluid at the outlet of the component or system, typically measured in the same pressure units as the inlet pressure.
- Compression Ratio is the dimensionless parameter representing the ratio of outlet pressure to inlet pressure, often calculated separately.