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Sarah ShoemakerFeb. 28 2008

Structures GroupInternal Structures, CAD

Balloon Gondola CAD and analysis

AAE 450 Spring 2008Structures

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Gondola Design• Triangular truss design• Aluminum• Sized for 5kg payload

(easy to change)• Hole in bottom for

exhaust• Guide rails may be added• Attach cables to corners

AAE 450 Spring 2008Structures

Figure by Sarah Shoemaker

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Weight Analysis• Weight of rocket (5kg): 5,146.27 kg• Weight of gondola: 1,361.1 kg• Total weight (does not include cables and attachments):

6,507.37• Total Lifting Force of balloon1: 69,820 N• Volume of Gas (assumed helium)1: 578,580 m^3• Diameter of Balloon1: 100 m

Future Work:• Stress analysis on gondola parts• CAD

AAE 450 Spring 2008Structures

1Code Balloon_Model produced by Jerald Balta and William Ling

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Backup slides

References:• “FAQ’s-Hot Air Balloons”. Cameron Balloons. 2001

[http://cameronballoons.com/shapes_gallery.html]. Accessed Feb. 25

• Matlab code by Jerald and William

AAE 450 Spring 2008Structures

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Backup Slides• Dimensions of Gondola

– Thickness (square): 0.1 m– Width (equilateral): 3.5 m– Height: 4 m

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Backup Slides (possible balloons)

AAE 450 Spring 2008Structures