ASCI Module 2.3 Environmental Factors and Aircraft Performance

Humidity on Aircraft's Performance 

 There are several factors that have a significant influence on an aircraft’s performance. One of

these many factors is humidity. Humidity or “relative humidity” indicates the percentage of

water vapor in the atmosphere. The amount of water vapor in the air influences things like

density altitude, this is because the oxygen and nitrogen content decreases when that of vapor

increases therefore the density of the mix also decreases. Less mass of air (humid that is)

redirected downwards there is less aircraft mass being supported upwards. Dry air is a lot

denser than humid air. Humidity affecting density altitude is what affects the aircraft and

engine performance. Density altitude or the pressure altitude amended for atypical temperature

conditions, is essentially what impacts the performance. A high-density altitude can affect

factors like impairing propellor efficiency, reducing lift which then reduces thrust, and the

decrease of the aircraft’s engine's power output. (Bryant, 1965). An aircraft will have less lift

with the increase of humidity, the wings of the aircraft have fewer air molecules to disturb as

they are pushing through the air mass. The aircraft’s engine power output is computed on dry

air and because water vapor is incombustible meaning when the water vapor, fuel, and air

enter the combustion chamber, the vapor will not burn resulting in loss of horsepower

affecting the aircraft in general. There are many factors that go into making sure an aircraft

executes at its best and humidity happens to be an essential one of those factors. Even if there

is a slight change in high or low humidity, it is important to investigate before any type of

flight is done.

 

References:

Bryant, L. T. (1965). Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science.

Factors of Temperature and Humidity in Relation to Aircraft Performance. (45), 193-197.

            https://ojs.library.okstate.edu/osu/index.php/OAS/article/view/4382

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