Theory of Flight

By : Hardeep Singh
 Objectives

• To demonstrate an understanding of the

atmosphere and its configuration.

• Learners should evident the use of ISA and variation

of pressure, temperature and density with altitude.

• Learners to demonstrate an understanding of

subsonic flow and its parameter.
 What is the Atmosphere?
• Thin layer of gases enveloping earth held
by the gravitational pull.

• Major gases: N2
(78%) and O2 (21%)
Layers of Atmosphere
 Troposphere
• lowest layer; temperature decreases
with altitude
• thinnest layer (8-16 km, avg. 11 km)
• where weather occurs
• primarily heated by Earth’s surface
 Stratosphere

• found above the troposphere

• temperature rises with elevation

• Ozone Layer located here

• upper stratosphere temperature increases with

altitude due to absorption of UV (ultraviolet) radiation in the ozone layer

Note :Without the ozone layer protecting us, we could not live on the surface of the Earth!
 Mesosphere

above the stratosphere

temperature decreases
with altitude

Meteorites and space

dust burns up in this layer
 Ionosphere
defined based on electrical
characteristics within the
thermosphere

absorbs cosmic rays, gamma rays,

X-rays, some UV rays
Quartz Lake State Park, Alaska (Curtis, 1996)
contains ions: charged electrical
particles

visible light is emitted when ions

are bombarded by cosmic radiation
• Draw a diagram labelling the different layers of the
atmosphere and the variation of temperature with
increase in altitude ?

Any Questions ?
 Objectives

• To demonstrate an understanding of the

atmosphere and its configuration.

• Learners should evident the use of ISA and variation

of pressure, temperature and density with altitude.

• Learners to demonstrate an understanding of

subsonic flow and its parameter.
 International Standard Atmosphere
(I S A ) ?

• The ISA consists of all the important factors like

temperature, density and pressure with respect to
altitude.
• ISA is based on the US Standard atmosphere, which
is compiled in 1962 under NASA and USAF.
• Use of ISA helps compare performance of different
aircrafts and propulsions systems.
Standard Sea Level Values
• Pressure : 101,325 N/m²
• Density : 1.2250 Kg/m³
• Temperature : 288.16 K

Sea Level Conditions

 Changes with increase in altitude

Temperature Density Pressure

Note : Please pay attention on the unit used for temperature , density and pressure
Any Questions ?

Standard Sea Level Values

• Pressure : 101,325 N/m²
• Density : 1.2250 Kg/m³
• Temperature : 288.16 K
 Objectives

• To demonstrate an understanding of the

atmosphere and its configuration.

• Learners should evident the use of ISA and variation

of pressure, temperature and density with altitude.

• Learners to demonstrate an understanding of

subsonic flow and its parameter.
 Subsonic ?

To be Continued