- #31
Lancelot59
- 640
- 1
mugaliens said:
Uh...what happened to working with a small prototype? I don't have the resources to build a full sized aircraft.
Airships, Blimps, anyone anyone
- Thread starter dingpud
- Start date
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the construction and design of airships and blimps, focusing on DIY projects, materials, and theoretical considerations. Participants share their interests, experiences, and challenges related to building airships, including the properties of various materials and potential designs.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants express interest in building DIY airships and seek advice on materials and construction techniques.
- One participant suggests using mylar balloons packed into a bag as a potential solution for creating isolated lift cells.
- Concerns are raised about the fragility of mylar and the need for effective sealing methods to maintain helium containment.
- Discussion includes the potential use of engineered materials in commercial airships, with speculation on their availability and cost for DIY projects.
- Participants mention the historical use of goldbeater's skin in airship construction and compare it to modern materials like aluminized mylar (boPET), noting the latter's advantages.
- There are considerations about the tensile strength of materials and the design of support structures to maintain the shape of large helium-filled bags.
- Some participants propose using nylon or kevlar for structural support, while others discuss the feasibility of using silk despite its cost issues.
- The discussion touches on the sealing methods for mylar, including heat sealing and adhesives, and the potential challenges of gas expansion at altitude.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally share a common interest in DIY airships, but there is no consensus on the best materials or construction methods. Multiple competing views on design and material choices remain unresolved.
Contextual Notes
Participants express uncertainty regarding the availability and cost of materials suitable for DIY airship construction. There are also unresolved questions about the effectiveness of various sealing methods and the structural integrity of proposed designs under different conditions.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in DIY projects related to aeronautics, materials science, and engineering, as well as those exploring historical and modern airship technologies.