Airships, Blimps, anyone anyone

  • Thread starter Thread starter dingpud
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on DIY airships and blimps, emphasizing the challenges and materials involved in their construction. Participants share insights on using aluminized mylar (boPET film) for gas containment, highlighting its advantages over traditional materials like goldbeater's skin. The conversation also explores design considerations, such as the use of isolated cells for lift and the importance of sealing techniques. Key manufacturers mentioned include ILC Dover and TCOM, while participants seek alternative sources and methods for building durable airships.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of materials science, particularly properties of mylar and boPET film
  • Knowledge of basic aerodynamics and buoyancy principles
  • Familiarity with DIY construction techniques for lightweight structures
  • Experience with sealing methods for gas-tight enclosures
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of aluminized mylar (boPET film) in aerospace
  • Explore the design and construction of isolated gas cells for airships
  • Investigate sealing techniques for mylar and other lightweight materials
  • Learn about the aerodynamics of airship shapes and their impact on stability
USEFUL FOR

Hobbyists, engineers, and makers interested in building DIY airships or blimps, as well as those looking to understand the materials and design principles involved in lighter-than-air craft.

  • #31
mugaliens said:
Tell you what - let's prototype it after the GZ-20, the current model of Goodyear Blimps. It had a 45 ft diameter cylinder, with a length of 192 feet. It has two Continental IO-360 engines rated at 210 hp each, which give it a max velocity of 50 mph. That's a total of 314 kW, which gives us something to shoot for, solar panel-wise.

Let's de-rate it at bit, to just 300 kW, and a max velocity of 40 mph

Even if we were to cover the entire top half with solar cells, the effective area would only be approximately 2,700 square feet (rough estimate, only). Is that enough to generate 300 kW using modern solar cells?

Uh...what happened to working with a small prototype? I don't have the resources to build a full sized aircraft.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Lancelot59 said:
Uh...what happened to working with a small prototype? I don't have the resources to build a full sized aircraft.

On paper! Just the calcs...
 
  • #33
mugaliens said:
On paper! Just the calcs...

You had me worried there for a sec.