PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

LEARNING
MODULE 02:
Review of Basic
Aerodynamics

AE 411 – Aerodynamics 3

Prepared by:
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING FACULTY

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Standard Sea Level Conditions 4
The Standard Atmosphere 4
Sample Problems – The Standard Atmosphere 8
Speed of Sound 12
Sample Problems – Speed of Sound 12
Mach Number 15
Sample Problems – Mach Number 15
Reynolds Number 18
Practice Problems 20

TIME COMMITMENT FOR THIS MODULE

Reading Material Time
Standard Sea Level Conditions
The Standard Atmosphere 45 mins
Sample Problems – The Standard Atmosphere
Speed of Sound
25 mins
Sample Problems – Speed of Sound
Mach Number
25 mins
Sample Problems – Mach Number
Reynolds Number
25 mins
Sample Problems – Reynolds Number
Activity
Practice Problems 60 mins
Assessment
Assessment 30 mins
Recitation 30 mins

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

This module discusses basic aerodynamic concepts and formulas needed for the
study of supersonic aerodynamics.

ACADEMIC HONESTY STATEMENT

As students, you are expected to perform tasks with intellectual and academic
integrity. The college assumes basic standard of conduct in academic requirements
that students will comply with honesty and will be credited only for their own efforts.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Course Learning Outcome (CLO)

CLO 1. Valuing the study of
supersonic aerodynamics and its
application on the aviation industry..
CLO 2. Review basic thermodynamics
and aerodynamics by recalling quantities
concepts and equations..
CLO 4. Quantify aerodynamic
quantities along flight using
aerodynamic equations..
CLO 8. Display professional
commitment to ethical practice by
showing sense of responsibility in
complying and compiling academic
requirement.
CLO 9. Have adequate knowledge on
Compressible Flows
CLO 10. Have adequate knowledge
on Shockwave formation and effects
Module Learning Outcome (MLO)
Topic Learning Outcome
MLO 1. Quantify aerodynamic (TLO)
by manipulating TLO 4. Explain aerodynamic terms
compressible Bernoulli equation. through definition.
MLO 2. Measure speed of sound TLO 5. Solve aerodynamic
and Mach number using quantities using the compressible
aerodynamic equations. Bernoulli equation.
TLO 6. Relate speed of sound and
temperature using the equation for
speed of sound.
TLO 7. Relate Mach number and
speed of sound using the equation
for Mach number.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

STANDARD SEA LEVEL CONDITIONS

Pressure: Density: Temperature:
1 atm 1.225 kg/m3 15 C
101325 Pa 0.002377 slug/ft3 59 F
14.7 psi 288.16 K
2116.8 psf Viscosity: 519 R
29.92 in Hg 1.7894 x 10-5 kg/m.s
760 mmHg 3.7373 x 10-7 slug/ft.s

STANDARD ATMOSPHERE
ALTITUDE VS TEMPERATURE

Fig 1. Temperature distribution in the standard atmosphere

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

The variation of temperature is shown in Fig. 1. It is composed of series of straight

lines, the vertical lines – isothermal region (11 km – 25 km, 47 km – 53 km), the
inclined lines – gradient regions (0 km – 11 km, 25 km – 47 km).
Lapse rate (a) is the rate at which the temperature in the atmosphere falls with
altitude.
𝑑𝑇
𝑎=
𝑑ℎ
Where a – lapse rate, dT – change in temperature, dh – change in height
From lapse rate:
𝑑𝑇
𝑎=
𝑑ℎ

𝑎 ∫ 𝑑ℎ = ∫ 𝑑𝑡
ℎ ℎ
𝑎 ∫ 𝑑ℎ = ∫ 𝑑𝑇
0 0

𝑎ℎ = 𝑇0 − 𝑇ℎ
𝑻𝒉 = 𝑻𝟎 + 𝒂𝒉

PRESSURE VS ALTITUDE

Fig 2. Force diagram for hydrostatic equation

Recall P = F/A; F = PA and F = ma, consider the substance inside the container
𝑊=𝐹
𝑚
𝑊 = 𝑚𝑎 ; 𝜌 = ;𝑎 = 𝑔
𝑉

𝑊 = 𝜌𝑉𝑔

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

Since V = L x W x H = 1 x 1 x dh
W = 𝜌𝑔𝑑ℎ
ΣFy = 0; P = P + dP + W
dP = -W
dP = -gdh ; Hydrostatic equation

From hydro static equation dP = -gdh, equation of state P = RT, and lapse rate a =
dT/dh.
For gradient region:
𝑑𝑃 −𝜌𝑔𝑑ℎ
=
𝑃 𝜌𝑅𝑇

ℎ ℎ −𝑔
𝑑𝑇
𝑑𝑃 𝑎
∫ = ∫
0 𝑃 0 𝑅𝑇

𝑔
ln 𝑃ℎ − 𝑙𝑛𝑃0 = − (𝑙𝑛𝑇ℎ − 𝑙𝑛𝑇0 )
𝑎𝑅
−𝑔
𝑃ℎ 𝑇ℎ 𝑎𝑅
ln ( ) = 𝑙𝑛 ( )
𝑃0 𝑇0
−𝒈
𝑷𝒉 𝑻𝒉 𝒂𝑹
( )=( )
𝑷𝟎 𝑻𝟎

−𝑔 9.8066
= = 5.26
𝑎𝑇 −6.5 𝑥 287.08
−𝑔
𝜌ℎ 𝑅ℎ 𝑇ℎ 𝑇ℎ 𝑎𝑅
( )=( )
𝜌0 𝑅0 𝑇0 𝑇0
−𝒈
𝝆𝒉 𝑻𝒉 𝒂𝑹 −𝟏
( )=( )
𝝆𝟎 𝑻𝟎

For isothermal region where the temperature is constant:

𝑑𝑃 −𝜌𝑔𝑑ℎ
=
𝑃 𝜌𝑅𝑇

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

ℎ
𝑑𝑃 𝑔 ℎ
∫ = − ∫ 𝑑ℎ
11 𝑃 𝑅𝑇 11

𝑃ℎ −𝑔
ln = (ℎ − 11000 𝑚)
𝑃11 𝑅𝑇

𝑷𝒉 −𝒈
= 𝒆𝑹𝑻 (𝒉−𝟏𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒎)
𝑷𝟏𝟏

𝜌ℎ 𝑅ℎ 𝑇ℎ −𝑔
= 𝑒 𝑅𝑇 (ℎ−11000 𝑚)
𝜌11 𝑅11 𝑇11

𝝆𝒉 −𝒈
= 𝒆𝑹𝑻 (𝒉−𝟏𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒎)
𝝆𝟏𝟏

Pressure altitude – corresponds to ambient pressure and is measured by the

altimeter.
Density altitude – corresponds to ambient density.
Temperature altitude – corresponds to ambient temperature.

SUMMARY OF FORMULAS
For gradient region:
𝑻𝒉 = 𝑻𝟎 + 𝒂𝒉
−𝒈
𝑷𝒉 𝑻𝒉 𝒂𝑹 𝑻𝟎 + 𝒂𝒉 𝟓.𝟐𝟔
( )=( ) = ( )
𝑷𝟎 𝑻𝟎 𝑻𝟎
−𝒈
𝝆𝒉 𝑻𝒉 𝒂𝑹 −𝟏 𝑻𝟎 + 𝒂𝒉 𝟒.𝟐𝟔
( )=( ) = ( )
𝝆𝟎 𝑻𝟎 𝑻𝟎

Where: Th – ambient temperature Ph – ambient pressure h – ambient density

T0 – temperature at SSLC P0 – pressure at SSLC 0 – density at SSLC
h - altitude / height a – lapse rate g – gravity (velocity)

For isothermal region:

𝑷𝒉 −𝒈
(𝒉−𝟏𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒎)
= 𝒆𝑹𝑻𝟏𝟏
𝑷𝟏𝟏

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

𝝆𝒉 −𝒈
= 𝒆𝑹𝑻 (𝒉−𝟏𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝒎)
𝝆𝟏𝟏

Where: P11 – pressure at 11km 11 – density at 11km T11 – temperature at 11km
P0 – pressure at SSLC 0 – density at SSLC g – gravity (velocity)
h – altitude / height

Sample Problems
1. An aircraft is flying at an altitude 9 km from the ground. Compute for the
temperature, pressure, and density there.

Given: h = 9 km
Required: Th, ph, h
Solution:
𝑇ℎ = 𝑇0 + 𝑎ℎ

𝐾
𝑇ℎ = 288.16 𝐾 + (−6.5 𝑥 9 𝑘𝑚)
𝑘𝑚

𝑻𝒉 = 𝟐𝟐𝟗. 𝟔𝟔 𝑲

𝑃ℎ 𝑇0 + 𝑎ℎ 5.26
( ) = ( )
𝑃0 𝑇0
5.26
𝐾
𝑃ℎ 288.16 𝐾 + (−6.5 𝑥 9 𝑘𝑚)
( ) = ( 𝑘𝑚 )
101325 𝑃𝑎 288.16 𝐾

5.26
𝐾
288.16 𝐾 + (−6.5 𝑥 9 𝑘𝑚)
𝑃ℎ = 101325 𝑃𝑎 𝑥 ( 𝑘𝑚 )
288.16 𝐾

𝑷𝒉 = 𝟑𝟎𝟕𝟏𝟓. 𝟏𝟑𝟎𝟗 𝑷𝒂

𝜌ℎ 𝑇0 + 𝑎ℎ 4.26
( ) = ( )
𝜌0 𝑇0

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

4.26
𝐾
𝜌ℎ 288.16 𝐾 + (−6.5 𝑥 9 𝑘𝑚)
( ) = ( 𝑘𝑚 )
𝑘𝑔 288.16 𝐾
1.225 3
𝑚
4.26
𝐾
𝑘𝑔 288.16 𝐾 + (−6.5 𝑥 9 𝑘𝑚)
𝜌ℎ = 1.225 𝑥 ( 𝑘𝑚 )
𝑚3 288.16 𝐾

𝒌𝒈
𝝆𝒉 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟔𝟓𝟗
𝒎𝟑

2. An aircraft is flying at altitude where temperature is constant. If the ambient

pressure is 20000 Pa, what is the pressure altitude? Assume specific gas constant is
at standard condition.

Given: ph = 20000 Pa
R = 287.08 J/kg.K
Required: hp
Solution:

𝑇11 = 𝑇0 + 𝑎ℎ

𝐾
𝑇11 = 288.16 𝐾 + (−6.5 𝑥 11 𝑘𝑚)
𝑘𝑚

𝑻𝟏𝟏 = 𝟐𝟏𝟔. 𝟔𝟔 𝑲

𝑃11 𝑇0 + 𝑎ℎ 5.26
( ) = ( )
𝑃0 𝑇0
5.26
𝐾
𝑃11 288.16 𝐾 + (−6.5 𝑥 11 𝑘𝑚)
( ) = ( 𝑘𝑚 )
101325 𝑃𝑎 288.16 𝐾

5.26
𝐾
288.16 𝐾 + (−6.5 𝑥 11 𝑘𝑚)
𝑃11 = 101325 𝑃𝑎 𝑥 ( 𝑘𝑚 )
288.16 𝐾

𝑷𝟏𝟏 = 𝟐𝟐𝟔𝟎𝟔. 𝟖𝟐𝟑𝟑 𝑷𝒂

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

𝑃ℎ −𝑔
(ℎ−11000 𝑚)
= 𝑒 𝑅𝑇11
𝑃11

𝑃ℎ −𝑔
(ℎ−11000 𝑚)
𝑙𝑛 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑒 𝑅𝑇11
𝑃11

𝑃ℎ −𝑔
𝑙𝑛 = (ℎ − 11000 𝑚)
𝑃11 𝑅𝑇11
𝑚
20000 𝑃𝑎 −9.81 2
𝑙𝑛 = 𝑠 𝑥 (ℎ − 11000 𝑚)
22606.8233 𝑃𝑎 𝐽
287.08 𝑥 216.66 𝐾
𝑘𝑔. 𝐾

−0.1225195031 = −0.0001577202043/𝑚 𝑥 (ℎ − 11000 𝑚)

−0.1225195031
= (ℎ − 11000 𝑚)
−0.0001577202043

ℎ = 776.8155235 𝑚 + 11000 𝑚

𝒉 = 𝟏𝟏𝟕𝟕𝟔. 𝟖𝟏𝟓𝟓𝟐 𝒎

3. An aircraft is flying at altitude where temperature is constant. If the ambient

density is 0.000485 slug/ft3, what is the density altitude? Assume specific gas
constant is at standard condition.

Given: ph = 0.000485 slug/ft3

R = 287.08 J/kg.K
Required: h
Solution:

𝜌11 𝑇0 + 𝑎ℎ 4.26
( ) = ( )
𝜌0 𝑇0
4.26
𝐾
𝜌11 288.16 𝐾 + (−6.5 𝑥 11 𝑘𝑚)
( ) = ( 𝑘𝑚 )
𝑘𝑔 288.16 𝐾
1.225 3
𝑚

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

4.26
𝐾
𝑘𝑔 288.16 𝐾 + (−6.5 𝑥 11 𝑘𝑚)
𝜌11 = 1.225 3 𝑥 ( 𝑘𝑚 )
𝑚 288.16 𝐾

𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔
𝒌𝒈 0.002377 𝒔𝒍𝒖𝒈
𝑓𝑡 3
𝝆𝟏𝟏 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟔𝟑𝟓 𝑥 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟕𝟎𝟒𝟖
𝒎𝟑 𝑘𝑔 𝒇𝒕𝟑
1.225 3
𝑚

𝜌ℎ −𝑔
= 𝑒 𝑅𝑇 (ℎ−11000 𝑚)
𝜌11

𝜌ℎ −𝑔
(ℎ−11000 𝑚)
𝑙𝑛 = 𝑙𝑛 𝑒 𝑅𝑇11
𝜌11

𝜌ℎ −𝑔
𝑙𝑛 = (ℎ − 11000 𝑚)
𝜌11 𝑅𝑇11

𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔 𝑚
0.000485 −9.81 2
𝑓𝑡 3 𝑠
𝑙𝑛 = 𝑥 (ℎ − 11000 𝑚)
𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔 𝐽
0.0007048 287.08 𝑥 216.66 𝐾
𝑓𝑡 3 𝑘𝑔. 𝐾

−0.3737651837 = −0.0001577202043/𝑚 𝑥 (ℎ − 11000 𝑚)

−0.3737651837
= (ℎ − 11000 𝑚)
−0.0001577202043

ℎ = 2369.799 𝑚 + 11000 𝑚

𝒉 = 𝟏𝟑𝟑𝟔𝟗. 𝟕𝟗𝟗𝟎 𝒎

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

SPEED OF SOUND (a)

Sound waves travel through the air at a definite speed and that is called the speed of
sound. This is obvious from natural observation, for example, a lightning bolt is
observed in the distance, and thunder is heard at some later instant. In many
aerodynamic problems, the speed of sound plays a pivotal role. It depends only on
its temperature and composition. Also, it varies from substance to substance.

𝑷
𝒂 = √𝒌
𝝆

𝒂 = √𝒌𝑹𝑻

Where: a – speed of sound  – density T – temperature

P – pressure k – specific heat ratio

Sample Problems
1. The ambient temperature at which the aircraft is flying is 300 K. Assume that the
air is at standard condition and k = 1.38, what is the speed of sound?

Given: T = 300 K
k = 1.38
R = 287.08 J/kg.K
Required: a
Solution:
𝑎 = √𝑘𝑅𝑇

𝐽
𝑎 = √1.38 𝑥 287.08 𝑥 300 𝐾
𝑘𝑔. 𝐾

𝒎
𝒂 = 𝟑𝟒𝟒. 𝟕𝟒𝟕𝟗
𝒔

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

2. The pressure and density at an altitude are 2000 psf and 0.0021 slug/ft 3,
respectively. Compute for the speed of sound, assuming specific gas constant is
1716 ft.lb/slug.ºR and k is equal to 1.4.

Given: p = 2000 psf

 = 0.0021 slug/ft3
k = 1.4
Required: a
Solution:

𝑃
𝑎 = √𝑘
𝜌

2000 𝑝𝑠𝑓
𝑎= 1.4 𝑥
√ 𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔
0.0021 3
𝑓𝑡

𝒇𝒕
𝒂 = 𝟏𝟏𝟓𝟒. 𝟕𝟎𝟎𝟓
𝒔

3. The speed of sound at which an airplane is flying is 360 m/s. Compute for the
ambient temperature, if the specific gas constant is at standard condition and k is
equal to 1.39.

Given: a = 360 m/s

k = 1.39
R = 287.08 J/kg.K
Required: T
Solution:
𝑎 = √𝑘𝑅𝑇

𝑎2 = 𝑘𝑅𝑇

𝑎2 𝑘𝑅𝑇
=
𝑘𝑅 𝑘𝑅
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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

𝑚2
𝑎2 3602
𝑇= = 𝑠2
𝑘𝑅 𝐽
1.39 𝑥 287.08
𝑘𝑔. 𝐾

𝑻 = 𝟑𝟐𝟒. 𝟕𝟕𝟖𝟓 𝑲

4. Compute for the ambient pressure if the values of the speed of sound and ambient
density are 1131 ft/s and 0.001843 slug/ft3, respectively. Assume R = 1716
ft.lb/slug.ºR and k = 1.38.

Given: a = 1131 ft/s

 = 0.001843 slug/ft3
k = 1.38
R = 1716 ft.lb/slug.ºR
Required: p
Solution:

𝑃
𝑎 = √𝑘
𝜌

𝑃
𝑎2 = 𝑘
𝜌

𝑎2 𝜌
=𝑃
𝑘

𝑓𝑡 2 𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔
11312 2 𝑥 0.001843
𝑠 𝑓𝑡 3
𝑃=
1.38

𝑷 = 𝟏𝟕𝟎𝟖. 𝟑𝟐𝟖𝟖 𝒑𝒔𝒇

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

MACH NUMBER
Another vital definition for high speed gas flows aside from speed of sound is the
Mach number. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of the body to the speed of
sound in the surrounding medium. It is primarily used to determine the approximation
with which the flow can be treated as incompressible or compressible.

𝒗
𝑴=
𝒂
where M – Mach number, a – speed of sound, v – velocity

Mach number is one of the most powerful quantities in aerodynamics. We can use it
to immediately define three different regimes of aerodynamic flows:

1. If M < 1, the flow is subsonic.

2. If M = 1, the flow is sonic.
3. If M > 1, the flow is supersonic.

Sample Problems
1. An aircraft is flying with a velocity of 90 m/s. Compute for the Mach number, if the
pressure and density is at standard sea level condition. Assume R is at standard
condition and k = 1.4

Given: v = 90 m/s
 = 1.225 kg/m3
p = 101325 Pa
R = 287.08 J/kg.K
k = 1.4
Required: M
Solution:
𝑝 = 𝜌𝑅𝑇

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

𝑝 𝜌𝑅𝑇
=
𝜌𝑅 𝜌𝑅

𝑝
𝑇=
𝜌𝑅

101325 𝑃𝑎
𝑇=
𝑘𝑔 J
1.225 3 𝑥 287.08
𝑚 kg. K

𝑻 = 𝟐𝟖𝟖. 𝟏𝟐𝟐𝟔 𝑲

𝑎 = √𝑘𝑅𝑇

J
𝑎 = √1.4 𝑥 287.08 𝑥 288.1226 𝐾
kg. K

𝒎
𝒂 = 𝟑𝟒𝟎. 𝟐𝟗𝟑𝟗 𝒔

𝑣
𝑀=
𝑎
𝑚
90 𝑠
𝑀= 𝑚
340.2939 𝑠

𝑴 = 0.2645

2. The airplane is traveling at an altitude with a Mach number of 0.42. If the ambient
temperature is 550 ºR, specific heat ratio is 1.38, and specific gas constant is 1716
ft.lb/slug. ºR, what is the velocity of the airplane?

Given: M = 0.42
T = 550 ºR
R = 1716 ft.lb/slug. ºR
k = 1.38
Required: v
Solution:
𝑎 = √𝑘𝑅𝑇

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

𝑓𝑡. 𝑙𝑏
𝑎 = √1.38 𝑥 1716 𝑥 550 °𝑅
𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔. °𝑅

𝒇𝒕
𝒂 = 𝟏𝟏𝟒𝟏. 𝟐𝟒𝟔𝟕
𝒔
𝑣
𝑀=
𝑎

𝑀𝑎 = 𝑣

𝑓𝑡
𝑣 = 0.42 𝑥 1141.2467
𝑠

𝒇𝒕
𝒗 = 𝟒𝟕𝟗. 𝟑𝟐𝟑𝟔
𝒔

3. Compute for the Mach number of an aircraft flying with a velocity of 150 m/s, with
all aerodynamic quantities are at standard sea level condition. Assume the value of
the specific gas constant and specific heat ratio to be 287.08 J/kg.K and 1.39,
respectively.
Given:
T = 288.16 K
R = 287.08 J/kg.K
k = 1.39
Required: M
Solution:
𝑎 = √𝑘𝑅𝑇

J
𝑎 = √1.4 𝑥 287.08 𝑥 288.16 𝐾
kg. K

𝒎
𝒂 = 𝟑𝟒𝟎. 𝟑𝟏𝟔𝟎
𝒔
𝑣
𝑀=
𝑎

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

𝑚
150 𝑠
𝑀= 𝑚
340.3160 𝑠

𝑴 = 0.4408

REYNOLDS NUMBER
The Reynolds number is the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces within a fluid
which is subjected to relative internal movement due to different fluid velocities. It is
an important dimensionless number with an impact in aerodynamics equal to those
of the Mach number.

𝝆∞ 𝒗∞ 𝒙
𝑹𝒆 =
𝝁

Where; Re – Reynolds number  – freestream density v – freestream velocity

x – length μ – specific heat ratio

Sample Problem
1. Consider the flow of air over a small flat plate that is 5 cm long. The free-stream
conditions correspond to standard sea level, and the flow velocity is 120 m/s.
Calculate the Reynolds number.

Given: v = 120 m/s

 = 1.225 kg/m3
x = 5 cm = 0.05 m
T = 288.16 K
Required: Reynolds Number
Solution:
(1.458𝑥10−6 )(𝑇 3/2 )
μ=
𝑇 + 110.4

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

(1.458𝑥10−6 )(288.163/2 )
μ=
288.16 + 110.4

𝛍 = 𝟏. 𝟕𝟖𝟗𝒙𝟏𝟎−𝟓 𝒌𝒈/𝒎𝒔

𝜌∞ 𝑣∞ 𝑥
𝑅𝑁 =
𝜇

𝑘𝑔 𝑚
1.225 𝑥 120 𝑥 0.05𝑚
𝑅𝑁 = 𝑚3 𝑠
−5
1.789𝑥10 𝑘𝑔/𝑚𝑠

𝑹𝑵 = 𝟒𝟏𝟎𝟕𝟒𝟓. 𝟔𝟓𝟖𝟖

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

Practice Problems
Solve the following problems. Show your complete solution. Round off your answer
to 4 decimal places. Box your final answer. Submit your work using Google
Classroom, under the specific classwork.

1. An aircraft is flying at altitude where the temperature is 0.001569 slug/ft3. What is

the density altitude?

2. An aircraft is flying at altitude where the pressure is 75000 Pa. What is the
pressure altitude?

3. The temperature, pressure, and density at which the aircraft is flying are 245 K,
95000 Pa, and 0.95 kg/m3. What are the temperature, pressure, and density
altitudes?

4. If the aircraft is flying at an altitude of 28 km, what is the ambient pressure and
density there? Assume specific gas constant is at standard condition.

5. The ambient temperature at which the aircraft is flying is 450 ºR. Assume that the
air is at standard condition and k = 1.4, what is the speed of sound?

6. Compute for the ambient pressure if the values of the speed of sound and ambient
density are 1200 ft/s and 0.0025 slug/ft3, respectively. Assume R = 1716 ft.lb/slug.ºR
and k = 1.38.

7. The speed of sound at which an airplane is flying is 300 m/s. Compute for the
ambient temperature, if the specific gas constant is at standard condition and k is
equal to 1.39.

8. The pressure and density at an altitude are 1923 psf and 0.001723 slug/ft 3,
respectively. Compute for the speed of sound, assuming specific gas constant is at
standard condition and k is 1.38.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

9. An aircraft is flying with a velocity of 90 m/s. Compute for the Mach number, if the
pressure and density is at standard sea level condition. Assume R is at standard
condition and k = 1.4

10. The airplane is traveling at an altitude with a Mach number of 0.42. If the ambient
temperature is 550 ºR, specific heat ratio is 1.38, and specific gas constant is 1716
ft.lb/slug. ºR, what is the velocity of the airplane?

11. Compute for the Mach number of an aircraft flying with a velocity of 150 m/s, with
all aerodynamic quantities are at standard sea level condition. Assume the value of
the specific gas constant and specific heat ratio to be 287.08 J/kg.K and 1.39,
respectively.

12. Find the Reynolds Number for an airplane wing, 4 ft. chord, moving at 120mph
through standard atmosphere.

13. Compute for the velocity at which tests should be run on a model wing of 6 in
chord in order that the RN shall be the same for a wing with a 6 ft chord at 120 mph.
Air standard conditions in both cases.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Learning Module 02: Review of Basic Aerodynamics

TABLE OF REFERENCES
No. Reference
Anderson J. (2005). Introduction to Flight (5th ed.). 1221 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, NY 10020. Retrieved from
1
https://www.academia.edu/40465060/Introduction_to_Flight_Fifth_Edition_Hi
gher_Education
Anderson J. (2011). Fundamentals of Aerodynamics (5th ed.). 1221 Avenue
of the Americas, New York, NY 10020. Retrieved from
2
https://www.academia.edu/26269624/Fundamentals_of_Aerodynamics_5th_
edition_John_D_Anderson_Jr_Charm_Quark_

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