What is the arc span of the typical Bourdon tube shape?

The typical arc span of a Bourdon tube, which is a mechanical device used to measure pressure, is commonly around 270 degrees. This design allows for a significant degree of movement of the tube as it responds to changes in pressure, translating that movement into a rotational motion on a dial or gauge for easy reading.

The 270-degree arc provides an optimal balance between sensitivity and range. This arc allows a Bourdon tube to cover a wide scale with sufficient resolution while ensuring that the movement is not too limited or extreme, which could compromise accuracy at higher pressures. Thus, the design maximizes the usability of the gauge in practical applications, providing clear and immediate feedback in a variety of pressures.

While other arc spans such as 90 degrees or 180 degrees exist in some specialized gauges, they do not offer the same comprehensive range that 270 degrees provides in standard applications. A 360-degree arc is also less common as it would require more space and could potentially complicate the reading of the measurements. Therefore, the 270-degree arc span is the standard and preferred design in most Bourdon tube gauges used in the industry.