Balloon Shapes and Stresses Below the Design Altitude
Smalley, J. H. (1966). Balloon Shapes and Stresses Below the Design Altitude (No. NCAR/TN-25+STR). University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. doi:10.5065/D6JQ0XZV
Design data for natural-shape balloons, published in 1952, have been used to design thousands of balloons. These data, however, describe the balloon only at its float altitude. Most balloon failures occur during ascent, indicating that stress on the balloon is greater during ascent than under flo... Show moreDesign data for natural-shape balloons, published in 1952, have been used to design thousands of balloons. These data, however, describe the balloon only at its float altitude. Most balloon failures occur during ascent, indicating that stress on the balloon is greater during ascent than under float conditions. This report presents a study conducted to provide information needed to understand the stresses in ascending balloons. Show less
