Abstract
This paper demonstrates with the aid of non-linear finite element analysis that the global load canying function in a pneumatic envelope, specifically in a super-pressure balloon, can be assigned to linear structural elements, The skins primary function is to transmit loads over the short span that separates the load tapes. In the proposed designs the strength requirements for the skin are significantly lower than in a spherical super-pressure balloon of the same capacity. The silhouette of the proposed design is that of a “natural shape” zero-hoop-stress balloon. It is demonstrated that the stiffness ratio of the load tape vs. the skin plays an important role. The higher this ratio the more complete the global load carrying function of the load tapes, and for large enough ratios any further increase in load tape stiffness is irrelevant. Three classes of design are investigated. One class relies on elastic effects alone to achieve the desired result while the others use some lack of fit. It is also shown that the payload can be introduced through the nadir fitting. This avoids the troublesome load introduction detail of current superpressure balloon designs,
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.