Temperature Variation with Height

[Red Admiral]

Temperature vs. Altitude

Temperature decreases with altitude according to the formula;

Temperature = Initial Temperature + Altitude*Temperature Lapse Rate

This relationship is derived from empirical evidence, not theoretical results. The Temperature Lapse Rate for air is -0.0065K/m

At sea level, the mean temperature is 288K (15°C).

The graph below shows the variation of temperature with altitude;

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v12/red_admiral/temperatevsaltitude.jpg

As can be seen, the temperature decreases with altitude until about 17km at which point it stabilises to a value of c.180K (actually it increases slightly). This point is the boundary of the troposphere and stratosphere which varies in height between 6000 and 17000m at the poles and equator respectively. It is not a distinct boundary and varies with weather and other atmospheric affects.

next, Pressure and Density.

[GregP]

Hi Red Admiral,

This is probably in the realm of "Aerodynamics" don't you think?

If you don;t mind, I think you should copy it to the Aerodynamics thread so everyone can eventually have a single aerodynamics thread in one place.

If you do mind, I'll not do it myself. :)

Please continue your dissertation as time allows. This stuff is fun for me and for others of a mathematical bent, I suspect.

[alyster]

This shit is complicated :D

But shouldn't it be -6°C per +1km in altitude. So if 15°C at sealevel, then 9°C at 1000m.

[Red Admiral]

-6.5K per 1000m of altitude until the stratosphere. However, weather variation means this is only an approximate figure.