How is PSIG converted to ATA?

To convert PSIG (pounds per square inch gauge) to ATA (atmospheres absolute), you need to understand the relationship between these units. PSIG is a measure of pressure relative to atmospheric pressure, meaning it excludes the atmospheric pressure that is normally acting on the object being measured.

The conversion starts with recognizing that 14.7 psi is the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level. When converting to ATA, which is an absolute measure of pressure that includes atmospheric pressure, the formula adds the atmospheric pressure back to the PSIG reading.

The correct formula to find ATA from PSIG is to take the PSIG value, add the atmospheric pressure (14.7 psi), and then divide by the atmospheric pressure (14.7 psi). This results in calculating the absolute pressure in terms of atmospheres. Hence, the formula (Psig + 14.7) / 14.7 = ata accurately represents the conversion from gauge pressure to absolute pressure.

This mathematical approach ensures that you are counting the total pressure acting on an object, which includes both the gauge pressure and the atmospheric pressure, yielding the correct conversion to ATA.