Fluid Dynamics, Buoyancy problem

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
3 replies · 6K views
latitude
Messages
54
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


How many cubic metres of helium are required to lift a balloon with a 400 kg payload to 8000 m? Assume balloon maintains constant volume, and density of the air decreases with altitude z according to the expression [tex]\rho[/tex]air = [tex]\rho[/tex]^e^-z/8000, where z is in metres and po = 1.25 kg/m^3 is the density of air at sea level.


Homework Equations


[tex]\rho[/tex]o = [tex]\rho[/tex]fluid(g)h
B = [tex]\rho[/tex][(g)V
[tex]\rho[/tex][ = m/v

mg < [tex]\rho[/tex](g)V (Not sure if this is right?? But buoyancy should be stronger if it is to rise, correct?)

I'm not sure how to go about this. I see I need to find volume, so I know the Buoyancy equation with be used, and I think I should find the Buoyancy-- so I assume I need to find the Buoyant force on the "payload" (whatever that is.) Since I don't know the payload's density or volume, I figure that probably
mg = [tex]\rho[/tex](g)V
(400)(9.81) = B = [tex]\rho[/tex](g)V

But this doesn't seem to make sense to me??
 
on Phys.org
You need to determine what's the [tex]\rho[/tex] of air at 8000m to be able to find out the required buoyancy.
I don't know if its requires, but take into consideration the weight of helium too.
 
Ah :( So I have to use that bit with the e? I'm not really sure how :[ I'm assuming it's some kind of calculus thing...? Related rates, perhaps?
 
Just plug in the z, which would be 8000m, and e is a known constant, just like pi.