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NASA balloon design and flight - Philosophy and criteriaThe NASA philosophy and criteria for the design and flight of scientific balloons are set forth and discussed. The thickness of balloon films is standardized at 20.3 microns to isolate potential film problems, and design equations are given for specific balloon parameters. Expressions are given for: flight-stress index, total required thickness, cap length, load-tape rating, and venting-duct area. The balloon design criteria were used in the design of scientific balloons under NASA auspices since 1986, and the resulting designs are shown to be 95 percent effective. These results represent a significant increase in the effectiveness of the balloons and therefore indicate that the design criteria are valuable. The criteria are applicable to four balloon volume classes in combination with seven payload ranges.
Document ID
19930027366
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Smith, I. S., Jr.
(NASA Wallops Flight Facility Wallops Island, VA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
February 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 13
Issue: 2
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Accession Number
93A11363
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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