Metalclad Airship Hull Study. Volume 1 and Volume 2
Abstract
This report determines the structural weights (lifting structure only) of five Metalclad airship hulls of 10 to 20 million cubic feet displacement and capable of 100 knots airspeed. The individual hull weights are then related to the gross displacement lift producing a ratio denoted (lambda), which indicates the merit of each hull for lifting useful load. To determine the hull weights it was necessary to analyze the hull strength with respect to maximum loading moments. This process required the computation of stresses in the shell skin and analysis of the interaction of the skin with the hull structure. Hull form shapes, design of structure, including materials and processes, construction methods and parameters of operation are necessarily covered in this report. Present, as well as, new materials and technology were applied to obtain a very low lambda coefficient compared to historic skeletal rigid airships. This coupled with a higher and broader variation of internal pressures, resulted in a conclusion that Metalclad airships are technically and operationally feasible, economically viable and reliable under adverse conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA060637
Entities
People
- E. V. Stephens
- G. Szuladzinski
- J. W. Roda
- L. R. Campbell
- V. H. Pavlecka