Ascent Performance Analysis for High Altitude Super Pressure Balloon in Real Wind Field

Abstract

Prediction of ascent performance especially the trajectory under wind effect plays an important role in design and operation of high altitude super-pressure balloon. A mathematical model, including the balloon geometry model, dynamic model and thermal environment model, is developed to simulate the ascent process of the balloon in this paper. Influences of launch time and initial Helium volume on the ascent performance are analyzed. The result shows that the Helium temperature is lower than atmosphere temperature during the whole ascent process, which is called super-cooling phenomenon. By adjusting the launch time, the horizontal distance between launch site and the location of balloon at the end of ascent process can be shortened with slight impact on the Helium temperature. To further shorten the distance, the initial Helium volume can be increased. However, the super-cooling phenomenon is aggravated significantly. Therefore, a compromise between the horizontal distance and the super-cooling phenomenon should be made. Our study can provide a reference for design, operations, and flight testing of the high altitude super-pressure balloon.