Aerodynamics - Standard Atmosphere problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the upward speed of an elevator based on a 1% decrease in pressure per minute at sea level. The user employs the equation p1/p0 = (T1/T0)^(-g/aR) to derive the temperature at the new altitude, ultimately determining that the elevator ascends at a speed of 880 m/min. Key parameters include T0 = 288.16K, g = 9.8 m/s², a = -0.0065 K/m, and R = 287 J/kg K. The calculation is confirmed to be accurate, though the user expresses concern about the speed being excessively high.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Ideal Gas Law and its application in atmospheric pressure calculations.
  • Familiarity with thermodynamic principles, specifically temperature and pressure relationships in gases.
  • Knowledge of basic calculus for solving equations involving multiple variables.
  • Proficiency in using atmospheric models, particularly the Standard Atmosphere model.
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  • Explore the Ideal Gas Law and its implications in real-world scenarios.
  • Learn about the Standard Atmosphere model and its applications in aerodynamics.
  • Investigate the effects of altitude on temperature and pressure using atmospheric data.
  • Study the derivation and application of the hydrostatic equation in fluid dynamics.
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Aerodynamics students, engineers in the aerospace field, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of atmospheric pressure and its effects on moving objects.

eku_girl83
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Here's the problem:
We are ascending in an elevator at sea level. Our eardrums feel a 1 percent decrease in pressure per minute. Calculate the upward speed of the elevator.
My solution:
*I am using the equation p1/p0 = (T1/T0)^(-g/aR), where p1 and p0 are pressure at point 1 and point 0, respectively.
*T1 and T0 are temperatures at point 1 and 0, g is acceleration due to gravity, a is the slope of the first gradient layer (Temperature/Altitude), and R is the specific gas constant for air.
*In the context of the problem, we know that p1 = .9 p0, T0 = 288.16K (temperature at sea level), g= 9.8 m/s^2, a = -.0065 K/m (from temperature distribution graph in textbook), and R = 287 J/kg K.
*Plugging these values into my equation and solving for T1, I get T1 = 282.4382 K.
*Since the temp./altitude distribution is a straight line for this region, I know T1 = T0 + a(h-h0).
*h0 is zero, so plugging in and solving for h I obtain h = 880 m.
*Since this took place in the course of a minute (which is the time for a 10% pressure decrease to occur, according to the problem), the velocity is 880m/min upward.

This seems a little fast? Did I do things right?

I would appreciate any input!
Thanks!
 
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I would assign a random value for displacement - say 100m, you can use resources to find the values for temp and pressure etc at that height and then sub that into your formula for point 2, to either check or to help solve...
 

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