Criteria for Controlling Vertical Motion of Stratospheric Balloons.
Abstract
A successful scientific balloon flight mission is dependent upon accurate control of vertical motion. The scientist wants a rapid ascent to his altitude of interest, but this desire must be tempered by avoiding aerodynamic stress damage to the balloon. Reasonable limits on altitude variation caused by temperature fluctuation are desired, so effective management of ballast is required on zero pressure balloons. There are also special situations with multiple altitude requirements that require efficient management of ballasting and valving for vertical motion control. Empirical equations were developed by the University of Minnesota (under contract to ONR and jointly sponsored by the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force) before 1960. The night ascent technique frequently used now also poses a new environment regime so it was considered necessary to re-evaluate the vertical motion response using current computer capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 06, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA017552
Entities
People
- Jean R. Nelson