Stability and Dynamic Behavior of Two Tethered Balloon Systems.
Abstract
The stability characteristics and dynamic motions of a tethered balloon are of interest in determining design criteria under which safe operating conditions are achievable. An analytical investigation was conducted for two tethered barrage balloons using two separate mathematical tools. The balloon motion is assumed to be uncoupled into longitudinal and lateral modes of motion. The equilibrium stability characteristics of both modes of motion are determined by solving for the complex roots of the characteristic equations. The dynamics of the motion, under the influences of wind gust or initial displacements, are found by numerically integrating the equations of motion on a digital computer. The effects of different tether lengths, payload weights and wind conditions are considered. It was found that the stability analysis was able to accurately determine the frequencies of oscillation and the mode shapes as displayed in the dynamic results. In general, the most significant result is the reduction of stability in both the longitudinal and lateral degrees of freedom as the tether length is shortened. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0766439
Entities
People
- Donald B. Block
- George R. Doyle Jr.
- Jerome J. Vorachek
Organizations
- Goodyear Aerospace