High altitude turbine efficiency question

Question

The simple reason turbine engines are more efficient at high altitudes is because as the air becomes less dense it requires less fuel as the ratio has to remain constant. This holds true up to isothermal temperature which is usually at 40,000 feet. The turbine compresses the colder air with less fuel required and you have a much lower fuel burn.

Welcome to aviation.SE! What exactly is your question? – Pondlife Apr 20 '19 at 17:26 — Pondlife, Apr 20 '19 at 17:26
Maybe you wanted to ask this here. – Peter Kämpf Apr 20 '19 at 18:06 — Peter Kämpf, Apr 20 '19 at 18:06

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Apr 20 '19 at 17:58

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This isn't true. Less dense air at higher altitudes means less oxygen to burn with the fuel. Less burn means less thrust. In the limit of no oxygen, there is no burn, and no thrust at all.

answered Apr 20 '19 at 17:58

niels nielsen

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right, and efficiency is improved because ambient temperature is lower. – Peter Kämpf Apr 20 '19 at 18:05

High altitude turbine efficiency question

1 Answers1