Question

How powerful can the vacuum from an open aircraft window be?

Answer 1

I guess this depends on the size of the hole and the altitude of the plane. You are right that the suction effect will last only as long as there exists a pressure differential between the cabin and the outside. The hole's size determines the rate of equilibration. For example, in the James Bond movie Goldfinger, a firearm is triggered in an airplane. Goldfinger flies out the window making some funny noises, too. This is certain to be highly exaggerated and is addressed in German physics professor Metin Tolan's book. In reality, even with a whole window gone, there would be no danger to the passengers from suction. (Lack of oxygen is compensated for by masks, freezing is not a problem as long as the pilot enters descent after the incident.)

Answer 2

Now we are told that there is a vacuum from an open aircraft .

The power of this vacuum will depend on :

( 1 ) The mass of the vacuum .( illogical )

( 2 ) The volume occupied by the vacuum .

( 3 ) The position of the vacuum .

These factors govern the effects.

The mass will not depend as vacuum is massless .

So we can cancel that .

The volume is essential .

If the volume is more , then it will be more powerful.

The volume if less then it will be less powerful.

The danger depends on the position of passengers with respect to vacuum.