Master dynamic pressure sensor technology. We’ll guide you through the piezoelectric principle, fast response characteristics, and industrial applications.
What is a Dynamic Pressure Sensor?
Dynamic pressure sensors are specifically designed to measure dynamic pressure with high frequency variations and steep pressure waveform rise times. They measure instantaneous pressure changes, not “average” pressure. Dynamic pressure sensors have a high natural frequency, extremely short rise time, and a wide and excellent response frequency band to ensure sufficient dynamic pressure measurement accuracy.
Static vs Dynamic Pressure Sensor
Static pressure sensors are designed for constant or slowly changing pressures, such as monitoring water levels in a tank or natural gas pressure in a pipeline. These sensors typically operate at frequencies between 0-3 kHz and have a slow response time of around 0.1 seconds. They cannot capture fast-moving pressure transmitters.
In contrast, dynamic pressure sensors are designed for high-speed measurements. They excel at transient pressure measurements, capturing instantaneous pressure changes such as those caused by explosions, turbulence, or engine combustion. Because these sensors typically use piezoelectric materials, they possess extremely high stiffness and a natural frequency. This allows high-frequency pressure sensors to track rapid rise times without delay, ensuring you don’t miss the peak amplitude of pressure spikes.
| Features | Static pressure sensor | Dynamic pressure sensor |
| Main Applications | Constant, steady-state pressure (liquid level, gas pressure) | Rapidly changing, pulsating, and impacting (transient pressure) |
| Maximum Pressure | 700MPa~1000MPa | 100 MPa |
| Frequency Response | Low frequency (DC to approximately 3KHz) | High frequency (typically >100 kHz) |
| Response Time | Slow (1ms) | Fast (microseconds) |
| Technology | Strain gauge/capacitive type | Piezoelectric (PE/IEPE) |
| Medium Temperature | 850℃, 1200℃ | 200°C, 450°C |
| Adaptability | Most suitable for long-term monitoring | Critical for combustion dynamics monitoring |
Working Principle of Dynamic Pressure Sensors
To acquire transient pressure measurement data, commonly used technologies capable of instantaneous response include piezoelectric sensors and piezoresistive sensors.
Piezoelectric Principle
Most high-frequency pressure sensors are based on the piezoelectric pressure sensor principle. Inside the sensor housing, a specific sensing element—usually a quartz crystal or a special ceramic—is used.
When pressure is applied to the sensor’s diaphragm, these crystals are compressed. Unlike standard pressure gauges that measure displacement, the amount of charge generated by these crystals is proportional to the applied mechanical stress. This is what allows pressure sensors to achieve extremely fast responses. Once the pressure is removed, the charge dissipates. This makes them ideal for capturing rapid pulses, but unsuitable for measuring static, constant pressure.
Piezoelectric Principle
Piezoelectric pressure sensors operate based on the piezoresistive effect of semiconductor materials, with a silicon diaphragm as their core component. The sensor senses external pressure through a stainless steel corrugated diaphragm. Silicone oil transmits the pressure to the semiconductor chip, causing a change in resistance, which is then conducted through leads. The sensor is connected to a Wheatstone bridge circuit. Pressure changes disrupt the bridge’s balance, resulting in a voltage signal proportional to the pressure output, thus achieving pressure detection.
The fully flush, cavity-free package structure ensures high accuracy in dynamic pressure measurement. The chip’s anti-optical interference design makes it suitable for near-field detonation measurements. Piezoresistive pressure sensors are generally recommended as the first choice in detonation dynamic measurement standards.
Benefits of Dynamic Pressure Sensors
The primary reason we use high-frequency pressure sensors is their high speed. These sensors can capture transient pressure measurements that standard pressure gauges simply cannot obtain. They offer the following advantages:
Featured Applications
Dynamic pressure sensors are widely used to measure rapidly changing and minute pressure variations. Various industries utilize them, including:
- Military Engineering
- Oil Exploration and Well Testing
- Fluid Mechanics
- Internal Combustion Engine Systems
- Aerodynamics
- Scientific Experiments such as Hydraulic Power Machinery Testing
- Chemical Explosion Testing
- Shock Wave, Shock Tube, and Shock Wave Physics
- Industrial Safety Applications
- Water Hammer Effect
- Identification of Turbine and Ship Propeller Models
- NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) Related to HVAC Compressors
- Combustion Instabilities in Gas Turbines and Rocket Engines
- Gas Turbine and Combustion Dynamics Monitoring
Specific applications include:
In power generation and aviation, we use dedicated gas turbine pressure sensors to monitor combustion instabilities.
To improve fuel efficiency and power output, fast-response pressure sensors help engineers map internal combustion cycles, optimize ignition timing, and analyze exhaust back pressure.
In heavy industry, water hammer and cavitation can damage piping systems. Dynamic pressure sensors can capture rapid pressure spikes in pipelines to prevent pipe rupture.
Dynamic pressure sensors can monitor the health of reciprocating pumps and capture industrial pressure pulsations that indicate valve malfunctions or seal leaks.
In handling ballistic or explosion problems, pressure sensors can withstand the impact of shock waves while being sensitive enough to record the rise time of explosion pressure.
During rapid hydrogen refueling and transportation, dynamic pressure transmitters can monitor hydrogen pressure in real time.
More Pressure Measurement Solutions
Choosing the Right Dynamic Pressure Sensor
Here are the factors we consider when helping customers select a dynamic pressure sensor:
- Here are the factors we consider when helping customers select dynamic pressure sensors:
- Application Environment: Is the measurement being performed in a standard laboratory or within an engine combustion chamber? What is the ambient temperature?
- Pressure Range: Standard ranges from 0-100MPa can be customized. For very small ranges, please specify in advance.
- Medium Temperature: Standard measurement temperature is -40℃ to 85℃. Special high-temperature ranges up to 200℃ can be customized.
- Frequency Bandwidth: Ensure the sensor’s resonant frequency is significantly higher than the frequency of the signal you are detecting.
- Installation Method: To avoid turbulence, recessed mounting or specified threaded mounting can be used. Installation space and dimensions need to be specified in advance.
- Accuracy Requirements: Optional accuracy ranges include ±0.1%FS, ±0.25%FS, and ±0.5%FS.
- Signal Output: 4~20mA / 1~5V DC / 0~5V DC or other specified signals.
At Sino-Inst, we offer dynamic pressure sensors and high-frequency pressure transmitters designed for harsh environments.
We focus on reliability and customization. Whether you need a pulsation detection sensor for a specific pump configuration or a rugged, burst-test-ready pressure sensor, we can configure the range, output, and process connection to suit your specific equipment. Feel free to contact our sales engineers!