Preston-static tubes for the measurement of wall shear stress

We present a Preston tube device that combines both total and static pressure readings for the measurement of wall shear stress. As such, the device facilitates the measurement of wall shear stress under conditions where there is streamline curvature and/or over surfaces on which it is difficult to either manufacture an array of static-pressure taps or to position a single tap. Our 'Preston-static' device is easily and conveniently constructed from commercially available regular and side-bored syringe needles. The pressure difference between the total pressure measured in the regular syringe needle and the static pressure measured in the side-bored one is used to determine the wall shear stress. Wall shear stresses measured in pipe flow were consistent with independently determined values and values obtained using a conventional Preston tube. These results indicate that Preston-static tubes provide a reliable and convenient method of measuring wall shear stress.