How to Calculate the Longitudinal Center of Buoyancy for a Blimp Model?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the longitudinal center of buoyancy (LCB) for a model blimp envelope. The user has already computed the total volume and surface area of the envelope, which are essential for determining lift. It is established that the LCB is located on the vertical line that passes through the center of gravity, and the attachment point is where this line intersects the bottom edge of the blimp. The calculation method for LCB is analogous to techniques used in boat design, as referenced in a specific article.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of buoyancy principles
  • Familiarity with model blimp design
  • Knowledge of calculating volume and surface area of complex shapes
  • Basic grasp of center of gravity concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Research methods for calculating longitudinal center of buoyancy (LCB) in model design
  • Explore software tools for modeling buoyancy in blimp design
  • Study the referenced article on sectional areas and LCB calculations (pp. 13-14)
  • Investigate buoyancy calculations in marine vessel design for comparative analysis
USEFUL FOR

Model blimp developers, aerospace engineers, and hobbyists interested in the physics of buoyancy and stability in airships.

HarryA
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I am looking to calculate the center of buoyancy of a model blimp envelope.
I have calculated various cross sections of the envelope to get the total
volume (and thus the lift) and surface area.

By center of buoyancy I mean the point that one could tie a string and
add a weight and the blimp would remain horizontal.

I am working on software for model blimp developers.
see: http://bobbear.org/rcblimp/blimpsw/index.htm
 
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I think you will find that the center of buoyancy as you define it is on the vertical line passing through the center of gravity. The point of attachment will be the point where that line comes out the bottom edge of the blimp.
 
It seems you are looking to calculate the longitudinal center of buoyancy (LCB) for your blimp.

This is a standard calculation used often in boat design. The following article shows how you can take your curve of sectional areas and calculate the LCB (See pp. 13-14):
 

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