Can Graphene Film Prevent Helium Loss in Airships?

In summary, the use of graphene or graphite as a seal for airship envelopes is not feasible and other solutions should be explored.
  • #1
ANarwhal
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I recently saw this: http://arstechnica.com/science/2012/01/size-matters-when-things-are-just-right-water-flows-freely/

and was wondering whether it could be used on an airship to keep helium in the envelope (it often dissipates out).

Since graphene is just a 2d version of graphite, would it make a difference if I simply covered an envelope with a layer of graphite (say, by drawing over it with a pencil as suggested here http://phys.org/news/2010-12-graphene-pencil-sticky-tape-videos.html )?
 
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  • #2
The answer is no. While graphene and graphite both have remarkable properties, the size of the pores in the material is too small to make a difference when it comes to air or helium leakage from an airship envelope. Graphite and graphene are both very strong and durable materials, however, they are not designed to be used as seals for containment purposes. Additionally, the pencil method of applying graphite to a surface is not likely to create a uniform, continuous layer, and thus would not provide an effective seal.
 

1. What is an airship and how does it work?

An airship is an aircraft that is lifted and propelled by buoyant gas, such as helium or hydrogen. The gas is contained within a large, lightweight envelope or balloon, which is typically made of a durable material such as nylon. The airship is maneuvered by engines that can rotate or change direction, and it is controlled by a pilot or a computer. Unlike traditional airplanes, airships rely on the principle of buoyancy to stay afloat, rather than the lift generated by wings.

2. What is graphene film and how is it related to airships?

Graphene film is a thin layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is considered a "wonder material" due to its exceptional strength, conductivity, and flexibility. In the context of airships, graphene film has been proposed as a lightweight and strong material for the envelope or skin of the airship. It could potentially improve the efficiency and durability of airships, making them a more viable mode of transportation.

3. What are the advantages of using graphene film in airships?

There are several advantages of using graphene film in airships. Firstly, it is incredibly lightweight, which can reduce the overall weight of the airship and improve its fuel efficiency. Secondly, it has a high strength-to-weight ratio, which means it can withstand high levels of stress and pressure without adding significant weight. Additionally, graphene film is highly conductive, which could potentially be used to power the airship's electronics. Finally, it is also flexible and can conform to different shapes, making it suitable for the curved shape of an airship's envelope.

4. Are there any challenges or limitations to using graphene film in airships?

While graphene film has many desirable properties, there are also some challenges and limitations to its use in airships. One major challenge is its production cost, as graphene is still a relatively expensive material. This could make it more difficult to mass-produce airships using graphene film. Additionally, the use of graphene film in airships is still a relatively new concept and needs further research and development to ensure its safety and effectiveness. Lastly, like any new technology, there may be regulatory hurdles and public acceptance to overcome before it can be widely adopted.

5. Are there any current airships that use graphene film?

While there have been numerous proposals and prototypes for airships that incorporate graphene film, there are currently no commercial airships that use it as their primary material. However, there have been successful small-scale experiments and tests using graphene film in airship design, and it is likely that we will see more developments in this area in the future. As the technology advances and becomes more affordable, we may see more airships utilizing graphene film in their construction.

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