The analysis of balloon envelopes by the finite element (FE) method is plagued by convergence problems. A pratical FE analysis approach is based on the fact that in thin shells with non-zero Gaussian curvature the membrane solution component is essentially decoupled from the bending solution component. A proxy-problem is solved by using a small artificial bending stiffness that assures convergence without significantly affecting the membrane solution component. This approach has been previously validated on slightly overpressurized balloon envelopes. Extensions of this approach to more difficult problems in the structural analysis of balloon envelopes are presented. The convergence forcing modelling measures are discussed. Implications of the findings of the analysis results to future balloon designs are also discussed.


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    Title :

    Recent advances in the structual analysis of scientific balloons


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1994-02-01



    Type of media :

    Miscellaneous


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Recent Advances in the Structural Analysis of Scientific Balloons

    Schur, W. W. / The Committee on Space Research | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1993