SAIP2016

Calculation of air density through measurements of falling spheres

6 Jul 2016, 16:10

1h 50m

Kramer Law building

Board: D2.220

Poster Presentation Track D2 - Space Science Poster Session (2)

Speaker

Mr Andrew McCaughna (University of Michigan)

Main supervisor (name and email)<br>and his / her institution

Mark Moldwin
University of Michigan

Would you like to <br> submit a short paper <br> for the Conference <br> Proceedings (Yes / No)?

No

Please indicate whether<br>this abstract may be<br>published online<br>(Yes / No)

Yes

Abstract content <br> &nbsp; (Max 300 words)<br><a href="http://events.saip.org.za/getFile.py/access?resId=0&materialId=0&confId=34" target="_blank">Formatting &<br>Special chars</a>

We present experimental results from ball drop experiments to infer air density. Using a quadcopter drone to raise the ball to over 1000 ft, measurements of the velocity of the ball are made to infer the mass density. Using the measured terminal velocity enables an accurate measurement of the air density using falling spheres with known cross section and aerodynamic drag coefficient. Comparison with air density measurements using the measured meteorological parameters (temperature, pressure and humidity) will validate the results.

Level for award<br>&nbsp;(Hons, MSc, <br> &nbsp; PhD, N/A)?

Hons

Apply to be<br> considered for a student <br> &nbsp; award (Yes / No)?

Yes