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 and aircraft to fly. The
atmosphere is cooler and lower pressure as one moves from the surface of the
Earth to the frigid vacuum of space. The atmosphere being cooler, lower pressure
and lower density has a significant impact on aircraft performance.

The rate has been measured and modeled as a formula. In this activity you will
calculate the pressure and temperature at various altitudes.

Equipment
Computer with Microsoft Excel or software with similar functionality
Atmosphere presentation

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Aerospace Engineering Activity 1.2.4 Atmosphere Page 1
Procedure
1. A F-35 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= -39.1515 C
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.
T= 15.04 0.00649(9874) = -49.0423 C
.+.
P= 101.29 ( )^ 5.256 = 27.0307 kPa
.

P= 122 27.0307 = 94.9693 kPa

3. Develop a calculator to apply the temperature, pressure and density equations of
the Earths standard atmospheric conditions to user inputs using Microsoft Excel.
Show the formulas used and the correct units of each input and output. Verify
that the answers calculated in the previous steps match the results of the
calculator that you created. If there is a difference then resolve the error. Note
that Excel may be substituted by another tool that your teacher approves.

Excel Calculator Example

2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Aerospace Engineering Activity 1.2.4 Atmosphere Page 2
Conclusion
1. Explain how the temperature lapse rate will affect aircraft design.
Lapse rate is the decrease in temperature and pressure as altitude increases.
The lapse rate is particularly important to engineers because aircraft
performance is greatly impacted by temperature and pressure. Engines and lift
generated by the wing are two examples since both use air as working fluid.
2. Explain how the pressure lapse rate will affect aircraft design.
The lapse rate allows engineers to estimate the effects of pressure on the
aircraft: things like density and air resistance. You also need to know the way the
variables relate to each other and affect each other.

2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Aerospace Engineering Activity 1.2.4 Atmosphere Page 3