PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - technical questions
View Single Post
Old 11th Oct 2002, 17:22
  #14 (permalink)  
Mad (Flt) Scientist
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: La Belle Province
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Stall Speed at Altitude

Chryse
Regarding Stall Speed at high altitude: The formula for stall speed is given by Vs (ktas) = Sqrt (295 L/qSClmax) where q is the density ratio. However since the speed is given in Vs (ktas), this part of the formula can be rewritten as Vs(ktas) = (SMOE)*(EAS) where SMOE = 1/sqrt(density ratio). When both equations are simplified the density ratios at altitude cancel out leaving only EAS. Position error also cancel each other. Refer to Classnotes for Basic Aerodynamics by Norbert R. Kluga 1991 page 124 from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Flight Technique Analysis for Professional Pilots by Les Kumpula page 30 also from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Your equations are valid only if you assume that CLmax does not vary.

In practice what happens is that CLmax is a function of Mach number, and so altitude for a given speed. This results in a lower CLmax at higher altitudes and hence higher stall speeds. I'm afraid you are not accounting for all the factors with those equations.
Mad (Flt) Scientist is offline