NASA test flights with increased flight stress indicesThis paper presents the objectives, results, and conclusions stemming from a series of six test flights conducted for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) by the National Scientific Balloon Facility (NSBF). Results from the test flights indicate that: (1) the current two U.S. balloon films are capable of being flown at significantly increased flight stress index values; (2) payload weights less than the design minimum payload can be reliably flown without fear of structural failure due to increased circumferential stress; and (3) large and rapid decreases in payload weight can be tolerated by current balloons without structural failure.
Document ID
19920028388
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Smith, I. S., Jr. (NASA Wallops Flight Center Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1991
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 91-3665
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA International Balloon Technology Conference