Abstract
About a half century has passed since modern scientific ballooning started in the 1950's. All this while, size and payload capabilities of zero-pressure balloons have improved rapidly. On the other hand, a super-pressure balloon which can take the place of a conventional large zero-pressure balloon has not yet become operational. To investigate this problem, previous research on balloon design is surveyed. It is concluded that quite important design problems have been left unsolved. Problems occur when a load tape assembly is introduced to the natural shape balloon system. The author proposed a new balloon design concept, named 3-D gore design, at the last COSPAR held in Nagoya in 1998. This theory improves the conventional natural shape design concept for the balloon reinforced by load tapes. This new design concept enables enhancing the strength of a balloon dramatically. In addition, the strength does not depend on balloon size. This theory will accelerate the development of large super-pressure balloons which will play a leading role in scientific ballooning in the 21st century.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
