Activity 1.2.4 Atmosphere
Introduction
Our atmosphere is a fragile blanket that surrounds the Earth. This mixture of gases
containing mostly Nitrogen is crucial for us to survive.
In this activity you will calculate the pressure and temperature at various altitudes.
Equipment
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PC with Internet connection
Pencil
Calculator
Notes from the Atmosphere presentation
Procedure
1. A F35 is flying at 1,026 kph at 8,350 m. What is the air temperature assuming a
standard surface temperature of 15 OC? Show all your calculations.
T=15.04-(0.00649(8350))
T=15.04-54.19
T=-39.152 ºC
2. A F-22 Raptor has just climbed through an altitude of 9,874 m at 1,567 kph when
a disk ruptures in a sensitive piece of optical equipment. As the engineer
analyzing the failure determine the pressure differential across the sensor
housing if the inside sensor pressure was 122 kPa.
- Ta=15.04-(o.oo649(9874))
Ta=15.04-64.082
Ta= -49.042 ºC
Po=101.29[(-49.042+273.1)/288.08]^(5.256)
Po=27.074
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AE – Lesson 1.2 – Activity 1.2.4 Atmosphere – Page 1
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Copyright 2011
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3. Verify your answer using the NASA AtmosModeler at
http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/atmosi.html. Print screen of the
final output. Note that the output toggle should be changed to Data to see the
precise outputs.
NASA AtmosModeler
Conclusion
1. Explain how the temperature lapse rate will affect aircraft design.
The temperature lapse rate will effect what the aircrafts material is made of
2. Explain how the pressure lapse rate will affect aircraft design.
It can damage the aircraft and maybe cause a accident resulting in a mid-flight
accident
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Copyright 2011
AE – Lesson 1.2 – Activity 1.2.4 Atmosphere – Page 3