Chapter II - DEFINITIONS AND UNITS

Problem *2.13

A barometer can be used to measure an airplane's altitude by comparing the

barometric pressure at a given flying altitude to that on the ground. Determine an
airplane's altitude if the pilot measures the barometric pressure at 27.55 in. Hg.
absolute while ground reports it to be 29.92 in Hg. absolute. and where the average
air density is 0.077 lbm/ft'. g = 32.174 ft/sec 2•

Given: Pressure at altitude and on ground.

Find: Airplane's altitude.

Sketch and Given Data:

P=- 1. 7. S'S i"'. 1-1.,.

fair = o. 071 lb""/ fi3

L :, ~ 32. • l 74 f+ /sec. z..
t
Assumptions: None

Analysis: Pressure change is due to column of air at average density.

.6.P = pLg/gc

912 144 2 32.174 lbm-ft

______________
(29.92 inH - 27.55inH ) ( .4
g
psi) ( in )
2
_
g 1 inHg ..;,._1 ft___;,__._ _____
lbr-sec2
(0.077 lbm/ft2)(32.174 ft/sec2)

= 2177.1 ft

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