What is the best durable material for making a blimp robot?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the best durable material for constructing a blimp robot, focusing on the requirements for the balloon's material to prevent leaks and provide sufficient durability. The conversation touches on theoretical considerations, material properties, and practical applications in the context of hobbyist drone-building.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to create a blimp robot and seeks a durable, leak-proof material for the balloon that can withstand minor impacts.
  • Another participant mentions the square-cube relation, suggesting that small balloons or blimps are too heavy for effective lift.
  • A participant notes that materials similar to those used in regular helium balloons may be suitable.
  • There is a reiteration of the need for helium-rated materials, as helium can escape through many substances, which is critical for maintaining lift.
  • One participant highlights the challenge of finding a material that is both ultra-lightweight and durable, indicating that current helium-buoyant devices often use fragile materials.
  • Mylar is suggested as a potential material, with a clarification on the difference between preventing helium leaks versus air leaks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for a helium-rated material that is also durable. However, there is no consensus on specific materials or solutions, and the discussion reflects competing views on the challenges of weight and durability in small-scale blimp designs.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific material recommendations, and limitations regarding the properties of materials and their availability are implied but not explicitly detailed.

jack476
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I'm trying to make a blimp robot, I want to get into the drone-building hobby but right now a quadrotor is too expensive, plus I want to be a bit more original.

I need something that I can make the balloon out of that won't leak (so I don't have to refill it often) and reasonably durable, enough to resist, say, accidentally being blown into a tree branch (though it's probably mostly going to be used indoors or on very calm days).

Thank you for any help :)
 
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Because of the square-cube relation, very small balloons or blimps are too heavy...
 
Theses look like they're made out of the same material that regular helium balloons are:
 
NTW said:
Because of the square-cube relation, very small balloons or blimps are too heavy...

I don't mean tiny. The project I have in mind would be a few feet in length, and...

billy_joule said:
Theses look like they're made out of the same material that regular helium balloons are:


...something of that size is exactly what I would have in mind, perhaps a little a bit larger (to support the weight of the electronics).
 
Make sure that whatever material you choose is helium-rated, as billy_joule alluded to. Helium sneaks out between the molecules of most substances. (I assume that's what you're using for lift.)
 
Danger said:
Make sure that whatever material you choose is helium-rated, as billy_joule alluded to. Helium sneaks out between the molecules of most substances. (I assume that's what you're using for lift.)

Yes, that's what I meant by "won't leak". Any recommendations?
 
I think you are looking for what a lot of people are looking for.

Unfortunately, as NTW points out. on the scale of a few feet, the lift is so small that the materials need to be ultra-light-weight - like a few grams - which is why current helium-buoyant devices are stuck with fragile materials.

If you found a material that were ultra-light-weight AND durable, you could drop your personal project and have people beating a path to your door to throw money at you for the material alone.
 
jack476 said:
Yes, that's what I meant by "won't leak". Any recommendations?
Sorry; I wasn't sure whether you meant to not leak helium, or just air in general. They're vastly different things. Mylar, as in party balloons (aluminized pvc) works well. I'm not sure what forms it is available in, but one that I know of for sure because I owned one is a compact survival blanket.
 

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