Polyethylene free balloon design from the perspectives of user and designer

Those who use large polyethylene balloons for experimental programs are presented with background information on the processes of selecting and designing balloons to meet their respective mission requirements. The effects of payload weight, altitude, duration, and vertical control on both the total payload weight and the balloon size are discussed with respect to these processes. The need to define missions success in terms of realistic requirements is emphasized and a mission planning procedure is proposed. Assumptions and problems in contemporary balloon design are discussed, and design and analysis procedures based on the loads and geometry at the time of launch are developed. Dynamic launch shock is proposed as a criterion for shell thickness, and a model of polyethylene film modulus is developed to account for strain rate and stress and strain relaxation at a launch temperature of 23 degrees C. Computer codes have been written for the processes of balloon selection and balloon design to meet mission requirements. They are intended to be a basis for more efficient, interactive mission planning. Finally, improvements to the balloon design process are proposed and discussed.