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SHS2 Aviation And Aerospace Engineering · Semester 1, Week 3

Aerodynamics and Propulsion

Lesson notes

Learning Objectives

Indicator: 2.1.2.LI.3 - Explain the impact of altitude on the state of the atmosphere.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

  1. Define the standard atmosphere and state its purpose as a reference model in aerospace engineering.
  2. Describe how temperature, pressure and density change as altitude increases in the troposphere, using the generalisation “the higher you go, the cooler it becomes” as a starting point.
  3. Apply the lapse rate concept to calculate temperature at a given altitude within the troposphere.
  4. Interpret a temperature-altitude profile of the standard atmosphere and identify the tropopause.
  5. Explain why pressure and density decrease with altitude and relate these changes to aircraft performance and engine thrust.

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Curriculum details

Strand
Core Concepts in Aerospace Engineering (Strand 1)
Sub-strand
Aerodynamics and Propulsion (1.2)
Content standard
2.1.2.CS.1 - Demonstrate knowledge of the properties of the international standard atmosphere. 2.1.2.LO.1 Explain the importance of weather in flight 2.1.2.LO.2 Identify the forces acting on an aerospace vehicle in flight. 2.1.2.LO.3 Compute the thrust generated by the propulsion system of an aerospace vehicle.
Indicator
2.1.2.LI.3 - Explain the impact of altitude on the state of the atmosphere.
Suggested placement
Semester 1, Week 3 (Week 3 of the year)

Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.

Curriculum reference
NaCCA curriculum document, p. 65

Exemplars (from the NaCCA curriculum) 

Talk for Learning: Derive from first principles, the equations that describe the standard atmosphere, building on the popular saying "The higher you go, the cooler it becomes"
Teaching and Learning Resources:
- Thermometer
- Anemometer
- Wind vane
- Introduction to flight (a book by John D. Anderson Jr.)
- National Geographic videos on accidents investigation
- A picture of the profile of the
- Introduction to flight (a book by
- aircraft incidents and
- atmosphere
- John D. Anderson Jr.)
Assessment (2.1.2.AS.3). The document marks these depth-of-knowledge levels for this indicator: Level 2 Skills of conceptual understanding.
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