What is the science envolved in making a hot air balloon?

Question

What is the science envolved in making a hot air balloon?

Answer 1

In order to relieve the stress on the envelope, look up Sigma Zero -- the gas bag should be the shape of the perfect rising  bubble of hot air in a vacuum (that's how I had it explained to me).

Answer 2

It's not really a science for starters.

Imagine all the options you can get on a new car (A.C., metallic paint, engine size, transmission)... Well balloons are like that. There are so many options...

The envelope (air bag) is generally an inverted pear or teardrop shape so a large volume of hot air can be held in the top.

The envelope, usually made of nylon, is held together with nylon load tapes that support the main weight of the aircraft, these are strongly stitched.

The wicker basket is connected to the envelope via a system of karibinas and steel wires. Wires run through the wicker to best support the weight inside the basket. The basket will usually have a soft leather edge added to prevent injury and facilitate comfort.

The burners are quite simple apparatus really, two pipes, three valves... one operates a pilot light, the other two, the main vapour and liquid burners, whose jets are lit by the pilot light.

The main factors considered in making and operating a safe balloon are the durability of all the components, making sure important systems (burners, load tapes, steel cables) don't fail. Making sure that the fabric of the envelope isn't too porus is another important factor.

Hope this helps some.

Answer 3

Hot air rises. Open the burner your balloon climbs. Air cools down, it descends.