2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

AE Activity 1.2.4 Atmosphere Page 1

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
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
O
C? Show all your calculations.

T=15.04 - (0.00649(8350))
T=15.04 - 54.19
T= - 39.152 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))
T=15.04 - 64.082
T= - 49.042 C

Po=101.29[(- 49.042+273.1)/288.08]^(5.256)
Po= 27.074
Pressure Diff=122 27= 95 KPa


2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
AE Activity 1.2.4 Atmosphere Page 2

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.









2011 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
AE Activity 1.2.4 Atmosphere Page 3
Conclusion
1. Explain how the temperature lapse rate will affect aircraft design.
The plane will be affected by the temperature depending on what materials the
plane is made of.



2. Explain how the pressure lapse rate will affect aircraft design.
The pressure will affect the plane depending on how structurally sound it is. The
pressure is all around so if there is one weak spot then it will implode.