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Linear theory of optimum hot air balloon performance – application to Titan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

R. D. Lorenz
R. D. Lorenz*
Affiliation:
Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Lab, Laurel, Maryland, USA
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Abstract

We develop a simple theory for hot air balloon performance with fixed thermal power and linear heat transfer to the environment, applicable to low-temperature situations such as Titan’s atmosphere. The theory results in a closed-form solution and it is shown that an optimum balloon diameter exists – the maximum payload is achieved when the envelope mass and payload mass are equal. It is also shown simply that the floating mass for a given power has a stronger sensitivity to heat transfer coefficient than to the envelope specific mass. A hot air balloon on Titan with a ~2kW heat source could loft a theoretical maximum payload of ~195kg or ~100kg with appropriate margins.

Type
Technical note
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 112 , Issue 1132 , June 2008 , pp. 353 - 355
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2008 

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