VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

“JNANA SANGAMA” BELGAVI, KARNATAKA-590 018

2022-2023
MINI PROJECT REPORT ON
“A COMPARITIVE STUDY ON ENVELOPE DESIGNS FOR STRATOSPHERIC
AIRSHIPS IN SPACE APPLICATION”

Submitted in the partial fulfilment of the award of the Degree in

“B.E IN AEROSPACE ENGINEERING”

Submitted by
POORVI M U -1AH20AS022
RANJITHA B G - 1AH20AS028
SINCHANA B U - 1AH20AS031
MEGHA A PATIL - 1AH20AS038

Under the Guidance of

DR. V. PARAMAGURU
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Department Of Aerospace Engineering.

DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

ACS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,
Kambipura, Mysore Road, Bengalore-74
ACS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
 ACS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Kambipura, Mysore Road, Bangalore 560 074

DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Certificate
This is to certify that the dissertation work entitled “A COMPARITIVE STUDY ON
ENVELOPE DESIGNS FOR STRATOSPHERIC AIRSHIPS IN SPACE
APPLICATION” is a bonafide work carried out by POORVI M U, RANJITHA B G,
SINCHANA B U, MEGHA A PATIL, bearing 1AH20AS022, 1AH20AS028,
1AH20AS031, 1AH20AS038 respectively, in partial fulfillment of award of the degree of
Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace Engineering, from Visvesvaraya Technological
University, Belgaum during the year 2022-2023. The project report has been approved as it
satisfies the academic requirement in respect of Project work prescribed for the degree.

Signature of Guide Signature of HOD Signature of Principal

Dr. V. PARAMAGURU Dr. MUKESH R Dr. A M PRASANNA KUMAR
Prof. & Head Principal
Dept. of Aerospace Engineering Dept. of Aerospace Engineering ACSCE- Bangalore
ACSCE- Bangalore ACSCE- Bangalore

Name of the Examiner Signature

1. __________________________ 1. __________________________

2. __________________________ 2. _________________________

ACS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

 ACS College of Engineering, Bangalore-74
Department of Aerospace Engineering

DECLARATION

We, POORVI.M.U , RANJITHA.B.G , SINCHANA.B.U, MEGHA.A.PATIL, the

students of 6th semester of Aerospace Engineering, ACS College of Engineering,
Bangalore-560074, declare that the work entitled “A COMPARITIVE STUDY ON
ENVELOPE DESIGNS FOR STRATOSPHERIC AIRSHIPS IN SPACE
APPLICATION” has been successfully completed under the guidance of
Dr. V Paramaguru , ACS College of Engineering, Bangalore. This dissertation work is
submitted to Visvesvaraya Technological University in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the award of Degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Aerospace
Engineering during the academic year 2022-2023. Further the matter embodied in the
project report has not been submitted previously by anybody for the award of any degree
or diploma to any university.

Place: Bangalore
Date: 19-07-2023

By:
POORVI M U - 1AH20AS022
RANJITHA B G - 1AH20AS022
SINCHANA B U - 1AH20AS028
MEGHA A PATIL - 1AH20AS031

ACS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The satisfaction and euphoria that accompany the successful completion of any task
would be incomplete without the mention of the people who made it possible, because
success is the epitome of hard work and perseverance, but steadfast of all encouraging
guidance. So, with gratitude We acknowledge all those whose guidance and
encouragement served us as a beacon light and crowned our effort with success.

We would like to express our earnest appreciation to Dr. A M Prasanna kumar,

Principal, and ACSCE. All the support and facilities extended to us during our project
work.

We are very much grateful to Dr. P. Theerthamalai, Dean, for his encouragement and
support.

We are indebted to Dr. Mukesh R, Prof. & Head of the Department, Department of
Aerospace Engineering, ACSCE. Under his guidance, help and invaluable assistance
during our project work.

We are thankful to Dr. Suresh C, Associate Professor, Aerospace Department for

encouraging team members to contribute their best and motivating us through out.

We also wish to extent our profound thanks to Dr. V Paramaguru, Associate Professor,
Aerospace department for his continual support and source of knowledge for completing
this research work.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Rajkumar S Pant, Professor,
Department of Aerospace engineering IITB for the guidance throughout the project.

With immense pleasure, we would like to express our profound gratitude and regards to
teaching and non-teaching staff, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering, ACSCE, Bangalore for
their valuable support and guidance extended to us throughout the course of our project
work Finally, We thank our friends and all those who have assisted us directly or indirectly
at various stages of the project.
ACS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
 CONTENTS

Table of Contents
ABSTRACT

CHAPTER 1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. LIGHTER THAN AIR SYSTEM 10

1.2. HISTORY 10

1.3. AIRSHIPS

1.3.1. GASES USED 11

1.3.2. APPLICATION OF LTA 12

1.4. STRATOSHPHERE

1.4.1. ATMOSPHERE AND PROPERTIES 13

1.4.2. STRATOSPHERIC AIRSHIPS 14

CHAPTER 2

2.1 LITERATURE SURVEY 16

2.2 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION 23

CHPATER 3

3.1 METHEDOLOGY 24

3.2. OBJECTIVES 25

3.3. PROJECT OUTCOME 26

CHAPTER 4

4. COMPARATIVE STUDY

4.1. COMPARATIVE STUDY 27

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 4.1.1 NPL 27

4.1.2 GNVR 30

4.2. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 33

CHAPTER 5

5. FABRICATION

5.1. MATERIAL SELECTION 34

5.2 FABRICATION PROCESS 35

CHAPTER 6

6. CONCLUSION 39

CHAPTER 7

7. REFERENCES 40

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 LIST OF TABLES:6

1) Table 4.1.2 NPL SHAPE PARAMETERS

2) Table 4.1.4 NPL SHAPE PARAMETERS FOR STRATOSPHERIC

APPLICATION

3) Table 4.1.7 GNVR SHAPE PARAMETERS

4) Table 4.1.8 GNVR SHAPE PARAMETERS FOR STRATOSPHERIC

APPLICATION

5) Table 4.1.1 RESULT COMPARISON

6) Table 5.1.1 COMPARISON TABLE

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 LIST OF FIGURES: 13

1) Fig 1.4.2.1 STRATOSPHERIC AIRSHIPS CARRYING SOLAR PANELS

2) Fig 4.1.1 NPL SHAPE

3) Fig 4.1.3 NPL PROFILE COORDINATES

4) Fig 4.1.5 CAD MODEL OF AIRSHIP WITH NPL SHAPE

5) Fig 4.1.6 GNVR SHAPE

6) Fig 4.1.8 GNVR SHAPE PARAMETERS VALUE

7) Fig 3.1.7 CAD MODEL OF AIRSHIP WITH GNVR SHAPE

8) Fig 5.2.1 PETAL PRINTOUT

9) Fig 5.2.2 CUTTING THE PETAL

10) Fig 5.2.3 SIX PETALS

11) Fig 5.2.4 SEALING THE PETAL

12) Fig 5.2.5 NPL SHAPE

13) Fig 5.2.6 GNVR SHAPE

14) Fig 5.2.7 INFLATED ENVELOPE

ACS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

 ABSTRACT

Stratospheric airships have gained significant attention as potential platforms for

various space applications due to their ability to access the stratosphere and provide long-
duration observations and telecommunications services. The envelope design plays a crucial
role in the overall performance and functionality of these airships. This paper presents a
comparative study of envelope designs for stratospheric airships. The study begins by
identifying the key requirements for envelope designs in space applications, such as structural
integrity, gas containment, thermal insulation, and aerodynamic stability. A comprehensive
literature review is conducted to gather information on existing envelope designs. Various
envelope materials, including high-strength fabrics, lightweight composites, and advanced
polymers, are evaluated based on their mechanical properties, gas permeability, and durability
in extreme environments.

The comparative analysis includes a detailed examination of envelope design

parameters, such as shape, size. Different envelope shapes, NPL and GNVR, are compared in
terms of aerodynamic efficiency, payload capacity, and stability during ascent and descent.
The influence of envelope size on the overall performance of stratospheric airships is also
investigated, considering factors such as lifting capability. Furthermore, the study explores
various pressurization strategies, such as constant pressure and their impact on envelope design
and performance. The effect of pressure differentials on structural integrity, gas leakage, and
envelope stability is analyzed, considering the operational conditions and mission
requirements of space applications. The comparative study concludes by highlighting the
strengths and weaknesses of different envelope designs for stratospheric airships in space
applications. It provides insights into the most suitable envelope materials, shapes, sizes based
on specific mission objectives, payload requirements, and operational constraints.

ACS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

 CHAPTER 1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION ABOUT LTA

Lighter-than-air (LTA) systems utilize the buoyancy effects of lighter-than-air gases

such as hydrogen, helium, and methane to derive a significant amount of lift. Unlike fixed-
wing aircraft, LTA systems have minimal fuel consumption and can navigate through
extremely rugged terrain. They can be categorized into three types: hot air balloons, aerostats,
and airships. Hot air balloons rely solely on buoyancy for lift, while the latter two incorporate
an aerodynamic lift component to remain airborne. Due to their reduced reliance on powered
propulsion for lift generation, LTA systems exhibit significantly lower fuel consumption
compared to heavier-than-air aircraft. Additionally, their unique vertical takeoff and landing
(VTOL) capability eliminates the need for complex ground handling infrastructure. However,
the main drawback of LTA systems is their requirement for calm weather conditions to ensure
smooth flights. Nonetheless, driven by the growing demand for environmentally friendly
aviation technologies and the rising fuel costs, LTA systems are experiencing a remarkable
resurgence in the scientific, academic, commercial, and defense sectors worldwide.
(STRATOSPHERIC AIRSHIP NEED TO ADD)

1.2 HISTORY

The history of lighter-than-air flight began with the first hot-air balloon built in 1783
by Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier in France. Immediately after the first flight - well, float
might be more accurate - engineers and inventors worked toward perfecting a lighter-than-air
craft. Although inventors were able to make many advancements, the biggest challenge was to
find a way to successfully steer the craft. Inventors conceived numerous ideas - some
seemingly reasonable, like adding oars or sails, others a little far-fetched, like harnessing teams
of vultures. The problem wasn't solved until 1886 when Gottlieb Daimler created a light-
weight gasoline engine.

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 Thus, by the time of the American Civil War (1861-1865), the lighter-than-air crafts
were still untearable. However, they quickly proved to be an invaluable military asset. In a
tethered balloon several hundred feet in the air, a military scout could survey the battlefield or
reconnoiter an enemy's position.

In 1969, Raven Industries was the first entity to fly an unmanned airship in the
stratosphere. High platform II achieved powered flight at 70,000 ft. for two hours with a 5 lb.
telemetry and propulsion payload.

1.3 AIRSHIPS

The operation of airships is based on the Archimedes' Principle, which states that when
a body is submerged in a fluid, it experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the fluid
it displaces. Airships utilize this principle by being filled with a lighter-than-air gas, typically
helium. The lifting gas inside the airship's envelope creates a buoyant force that is equivalent
to the weight of the displaced atmospheric air, allowing the airship to float in denser air.

As the airship ascends, the helium gas expands, while it contracts during descent. To
maintain a consistent internal pressure within the envelope, a ballonet is installed, and some
airships may have multiple ballonets. These ballonets are essentially air-filled bags that can be
inflated or deflated to regulate the pressure inside the envelope, accommodating the expansion
and contraction of the helium gas.

Apart from the buoyant force generated by helium, modern airships also harness
aerodynamic lift through the design of their envelopes as they traverse through the air, similar
to airplanes. To optimize the payload capacity, airships can employ a running takeoff
technique, akin to airplanes. By building up speed on the ground, the airship can convert this
forward momentum into lift when the pilot elevates the nose of the craft. Once airborne,
airships exhibit capabilities akin to helicopters, allowing them to maintain a nearly stationary
position for extended durations.

1.3.1 Gases Used

There are only 2 lifting gasses that are lighter than air and practical for airships;

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Helium: this is a noble gas which means it's inert. Safest option all around except that US has
a monopoly on the production of it. That is also the reason Zeppelins didn't use it because of
an embargo the US had at the time against the Germans.

Hydrogen: even more buoyant than helium but flammable. It is however easier to get by
running a current through water or dropping some metals in an acid.

The third option for providing buoyancy is heated air, this requires a heat source to counteract
the loss of heat over time.

1.3.2 APPLICATION OF LTA

Lighter-than-air systems, such as airships or balloons, have a variety of applications in

different fields. Here are some common applications. Aerial Surveillance: Lighter-than-air
systems can be used for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance purposes. They can carry
cameras, sensors, and other equipment to monitor large areas from above. These systems are
often used in border security, disaster management, and military operations.

Lighter-than-air systems can serve as communication platforms by carrying antennas

and relaying signals for various purposes. They can be used to extend the range of wireless
communication networks, provide coverage in remote areas, or enhance communication during
events or emergencies.

Researchers use lighter-than-air systems to study the atmosphere, weather patterns, and
environmental conditions. Balloons equipped with scientific instruments are launched into the
atmosphere to collect data on temperature, humidity, air pressure, and other atmospheric
parameters.

Airships and large balloons are often used for advertising purposes. They can be
customized with banners, logos, or LED displays to promote products, brands, or events. The
size and visibility of these floating advertisements make them an attractive option for
marketing campaigns.

While less common than other applications, lighter-than-air systems can be used for
transporting cargo, especially in remote or inaccessible areas. Cargo airships have the

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advantage of being able to carry heavy loads over long distances without the need for
infrastructure like airports or roads.

1.4. STRATOSPHERE

The stratosphere, positioned between the troposphere and the mesosphere, forms the
Earth's second atmospheric layer. It consists of distinct temperature layers that are stratified.
In this layer, warm air resides at higher altitudes while cooler air exists closer to the Earth's
surface. This temperature stratification is primarily influenced by the absorption of ultraviolet
(UV) radiation from the Sun by the ozone layer, causing a temperature increase with altitude.
This stands in contrast to the troposphere, the layer adjacent to the Earth's surface, where
temperature typically decreases as altitude rises.

At altitudes ranging from 20 km to 22 km in middle latitudinal regions, the atmospheric

pressure measures approximately 40 h Pa. Compared to sea level, the air density at this altitude
is roughly 1/20th. As a result, the airship envelope must be sufficiently large to provide the
necessary buoyancy. Fluctuations in both atmospheric and buoyant gas temperatures can
directly impact buoyancy since the buoyant gas expands or contracts with temperature changes.
If the thermal variations are significant to the extent that excessive helium gas needs to be
vented during high-temperature conditions, the platform may lose buoyancy during sunset
(lower temperatures) and potentially descend to the ground. Consequently, in this context,
conducting thermal analysis and considering thermal limitations becomes crucial for designing
the vehicle. It helps determine the thresholds of structural capacity required to handle these
thermal fluctuations and avoid any unexpected operational disruptions.

1.4.1 Properties

Altitude: The stratosphere extends approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) to 50

kilometers (31 miles) above the Earth's surface. The specific boundaries of the stratosphere
may vary slightly based on factors like latitude and season.

Temperature: In the lower part of the stratosphere, the temperature remains relatively
constant or may even slightly increase with increasing altitude. This region is called the
stratopause. Beyond the stratopause, the temperature starts to decrease again with altitude,
reaching extremely cold temperatures in the upper stratosphere.

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 Ozone Layer: Within the stratosphere, there exists a layer of ozone (O₃) known as the
ozone layer. Ozone molecules in this layer absorb and block a significant portion of the Sun's
ultraviolet (UV) radiation, serving as a vital shield against harmful UV rays. The presence of
the ozone layer helps safeguard life on Earth from the detrimental effects of excessive UV
radiation.

Wind Patterns: The stratosphere experiences stable and robust wind patterns called jet
streams. These high-speed air currents flow predominantly in an eastward direction near the
tropopause, which marks the boundary between the troposphere and stratosphere. Jet streams
have a considerable influence on weather patterns and air travel.

Composition: The composition of the stratosphere closely resembles that of the

troposphere, mainly consisting of nitrogen (N₂), oxygen (O₂), and traces of other gases such as
argon, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. However, the stratosphere contains lower levels of
water vapor compared to the troposphere.

Limited Vertical Mixing: Unlike the troposphere, where air experiences significant
vertical mixing due to convection, the stratosphere undergoes minimal vertical mixing. This
limited mixing helps maintain the stratification of temperature and composition within the
stratosphere.

High-Altitude Flight: The stratosphere plays a vital role in high-altitude flight,

including commercial airliners and research aircraft. The relatively stable and less turbulent
conditions in the stratosphere make it favorable for long-distance air travel.

1.4.2 Stratospheric Airships

Stratospheric airships have gained significant attention as potential platforms for various
space applications due to their ability to access the stratosphere and provide long-duration
observations and telecommunications services. The envelope design plays a crucial role in the
overall performance and functionality of these airships. This paper presents a comparative
study of envelope designs for stratospheric airships.

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 Fig1.4.2.1: stratospheric airships carrying solar panels

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 CHAPTER 2

2.1 LITRATURE SURVEY

1. MULTIDISCIPLINARY SHAPE OPTIMIIZATION OF STRATOSPHERIC

AIRSHIPS

Authors: Mohammad Irfan, Ihaik Subhani, Rajkumar S. Pant

Effect of the latitudes, dates and wind condition on the airship endurance performance
are analysed and in order to achieve long endurance flight, an adaptability discussion is carried
out through a multi-objective optimization process. The result indicates that the improved
design has a higher adaptability ratio in different environments compared with the single input
design. It suggests that an adaptability design of high-altitude airships might be an effective
approach in airship engineering applications. Stratospheric airships designed as they long
endurance platform for deployment of equipment for several commercial and strategic
applications, such as digital broadcasting, broadband telecommunications, coastal
surveillance, remote sensing and GPS augmented navigation systems. Airships are designed to
the level that maintain the quasi-stationary position up to 20kms of altitude. This study
proposed a multidisciplinary design approach of high-altitude airships.

The analyses led to the following conclusions:

As essential design inputs, different latitudes, dates and wind directions has significant
effects on the energy condition of high-altitude airships which directly determines the
endurance performance. The improved design of the airship considering the uncertain
environment factors has a higher adaptability 91.25% compared with the single input design
44.1% under the same weight cost.

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2. INITIAL SIZING AND SENSITIVITY OF THE STRATOSPHERIC AIRSHIPS FOR
PSUEDOLITE BASED NAVIGATION SYSTEM

Authors: Amol C. Gawale and Rajkumar S. Pant, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay,
Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400 076, India.

This paper presents the key results of a study on development of Stratospheric Airships as a
HALEP (high altitude long endurance platform) for providing navigation and guidance for an
airborne system, using the concept of inverted GPS. The methodology calculates the Envelope
Volume required, and dimensions of a Stratospheric airship, given the parameters such as
Operating altitude, Speed, Payload, available Irradiance, Solar Cell Efficiency, Atmospheric
Conditions, and Propulsion system efficiency. A detailed methodology for estimation of the
weight breakdown of the various groups/subgroups of an airship platform was developed, and
validated against some published results from a previous study. The methodology was utilized
to obtain the sensitivity of the payload capacity and envelope volume with some critical
parameters such as operating altitude, ambient temperature, ambient wind speed, Helium
purity level, engine power, envelope length to diameter ratio, charging discharging time. The
methodology for initial sizing of stratospheric airships powered with solar electric propulsion
is quite useful for carrying out the conceptual design studies to get an estimate of the size and
weight of various components and sub-systems. The results obtained indicate that size of the
airship in proportion to the payload capacity is substantially larger than that of other
alternatives to carry the same payload. Since parameters such as ambient wind speed and
temperatures very strongly affect the sizing of the stratospheric platform, details of
meteorological characteristics in the stratosphere at the desired area of operation of the
platform should be investigated and analyzed. This will also help in a more accurate estimation
of the operating requirements and finalization of the system specifications. Effect of
degradation of the envelope material due to environmental factors can be modeled by assuming
a rate of effusion of the LTA gas from the envelope. Further studies are underway to
incorporate.

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3. MULTIDISCIPLINARY DESIGN OF HIGH-ALTITUDE AIRSHIP BASED ON SOLAR
ENERGY OPTIMIZATION

Author: Lanchuan Zhang a,∗, Weiyu Zhu b, Huafei Du c, Mingyun Lv

Solar energy is a key factor for high altitude airships to achieve long endurance flight.
In order to receive more solar energy and improve the endurance performance of airships, this
paper presents a multidisciplinary design methodology to obtain an optimal configuration of
the high-altitude airship considering the energy optimization. First, a parameterized shape of
the airship is proposed and the aerodynamic characteristics are obtained and integrated through
a kriging model. Then the solar radiation and photovoltaic (PV) array models are introduced
and validated by a ground experiment. After elaborating the structure, Further, the effects of
the latitudes, dates and wind conditions on airship endurance performance are analyzed and in
order to achieve long endurance flight, an adaptability discussion is carried out through a multi-
objective optimization process. The result indicates that the improved design has a higher
adaptability ratio in different environments compared with the single input design. It suggests
that an adaptability design of high-altitude airships might be an effective approach in airship
engineering applications. This study proposed a multidisciplinary design approach of high-
altitude airships. The models of aerodynamic, structure, energy, propulsion and mass are
introduced and an external-internal loop optimization process with a goal of minimum total
weight is carried out. Furthermore, an adaptability discussion focused on the airship energy
balance is conducted.
The analyses led to the following conclusions:

1.As essential design inputs, different latitudes, dates and wind directions has significant
effects on the energy condition of high-altitude airships which directly determines the
endurance performance.
2. The improved design of the airship considering the uncertain
environment factors have a higher adaptability 91.25% compared with the single input design
44.1% under the same
weight cost

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4. OPTIMAL SHAPE DESIGN OF AN AIRSHIP BASED ON GEOMETRICAL
AERODYNAMIC PARAMETERS

Authors: Mohamed Atyyal , Gamal M. ElBayoumi and Mohamed Lotfy

Conventional airship mathematical modeling usually involves six coupled degrees of

freedom and two inputs, namely tail and thrust. The current study focuses on aerodynamic
modeling. The aerodynamic model is developed in 3D-space based on plane semi-empirical
model of a symmetric airship. The model depends on the main geometrical parameters of the
airship. The study introduces an optimal shape design of the airship. The objective function is
established to reduce drag and the effect of side flow and increases both lift force and pitching
moment. Three types of airship shape construction are investigated, namely NPL, GNVR, and
Wang. The GNVR geometric construction technique is the best method to generate the
optimum shape of the airship in the presence of side-slip angle effect with the utilized objective
function that reduces drag and side flow and increases lift and pitching moment.

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5. STUDY OF THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NEAR-SPACE AIRSHIP
ENVELOPE MATERIAL BASED ON AN OPTIMIZATION METHOD

Authors: iwei Tang 1, Weicheng Xie 2, Xiaoliang Wang , Yonglin Chen and Junjie Wu.

First, biaxial tensile tests under low tensile ratios were carried out on the envelope
materials of a near-space airship. The experimental results showed that the values of the elastic
modulus and Poisson’s ratio, which are significantly affected by the warp and weft stresses,
were not constant. Second, the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of the near-space airship
were obtained by using the traditional calculation method, and the limitations of this method
were discussed. Third, an optimal calculation model for the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio
of airship envelopes was proposed. The strain calculated by the proposed optimization model
could be effectively correlated to the strain measured by the experiment. The proposed method
can consider the nonlinear changes of the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio of membrane
material under different stress ratios and predict the force and deformation of the airship’s
capsule more accurately, which is adaptable to engineering applications. An optimization
method to calculate the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio considering the influence of warp
and weft stresses under low tensile ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 1:2) was proposed. Compared with the
results from the traditional method and experimental data, the proposed method can well
consider the nonlinear changes of the elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio caused by warp and
weft stress changes. The results show that the average errors of the simulated strain and the
experimental strain under the same stress condition are 8.21% (warp) and 8.41% (weft).

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6. BALLOONS DESIGN FOR THE MARS, VENUS, AND TITAN ATMOSPHERES

Authors: Kanika Garg, and Thomas Kuhn.

This paper studies the specifications of balloons for the exploration of bodies with
different atmospheric conditions. Three types of balloons, i.e., zero-pressure, super-pressure,
and over-pressurized, with four different shapes, i.e., sphere, oblate, pro late, and airship, were
analyzed. First, the development of a simulation tool is described, which was used for
analyzing the behavior of balloons for different exploration missions. Next, the developed
software was verified by comparing its output with recorded data from a set of flights at the
Esrange Space Center. Based on the simulation results, recommendations are given for
different balloon types and shapes for operation on Mars, Venus, and Titan. This paper
described the performance of various design options for balloons on Mars, Venus, and Titan.
A simulation tool was designed, developed, verified, and validated for investigating various
parameters of the exploratory balloons. The performance of the different balloon types and
shapes was compared, and suitable options were identified for each mission. For all three
atmospheric bodies, the OZP balloons are preferred as they are more mass efficient than the
SP ones and can stay afloat much longer in comparison to the ZP balloons. The proposed
method is efficient and suitable for accurate deformation simulations of near-space airship
envelope material.

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7. SIZING OF STRATOSPHERIC AIRSHIP FOR SPACE BASED APPLICATIONS

Authors: Shaik Subhani, Mohd. Irfan Alam and Rajkumar S. Pant, Indian Institute of
Technology Bombay,Mumbai, India.

This paper will describe a methodology that can arrive at the baseline specifications of
a stratospheric airship, given the performance and operational requirements like payload mass,
payload power, mission speed, geographical location, and altitude of deployment. Results
obtained using this sizing methodology for some typical operating requirements for
stratospheric airships will also be presented. Sizing of a stratospheric airship for various
envelope profiles will be carried out to identify which ones are more suitable for different
applications. The sensitivity of the airship size and all up weight to some key input parameters
will also be brought out. A methodology for conceptual sizing of an HAA (High Altitude
Airship) platform has been proposed, with much lesser number of assumptions compared to
other such methodologies reported in literature. The efficacy of the methodology in arriving at
the output parameters, and in carrying out sensitivity analyses of key parameters has been
demonstrated. It is seen that there is a minimum required volume of stratospheric airship to
overcome the specified power and payload requirements. Due to large dimensions, even a
slight increase in the wind speed results in large increase in drag.

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2.2 PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION:
The project on 'A Comparative Study of Envelope Designs for Stratospheric Airship in
Space Application' aims to address the problem of selecting the most suitable envelope design
for a stratospheric airship in space applications. The current lack of comprehensive research
and analysis in this area hinders the efficient and optimized deployment of stratospheric
airships for various space missions. This study aims to identify the key challenges and
limitations associated with different envelope designs, assess their performance, and ultimately
provide valuable insights for the development of more efficient and reliable stratospheric
airship envelopes for space applications.

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 CHAPTER 3
3.1 METHODOLOGY

start

Literature survey

Choosing envelope shape

Study on each envelope shape

CHANGE MATERIAL
Initial sizing material [Cite your source here.]
CHANGE LENGTH

[Cite your source here.]

Airship length and diameter properties

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3.2. OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of this project is to conduct a comparative study of envelope
designs for stratospheric airships in space applications. Stratospheric airships have gained
significant attention as potential platforms for various space-related missions, including
surveillance, communication, and scientific research. By analyzing and comparing different
envelope designs, we aim to identify the most suitable and efficient design that can withstand
the extreme conditions of the stratosphere while providing optimal performance for space
applications. Another objective is to evaluate the structural integrity and material properties of
the selected envelope designs. Stratospheric airships operate in a hostile environment with low
temperatures, high altitudes, and variable atmospheric conditions. It is crucial to assess the
strength, durability, and flexibility of the envelopes to ensure they can withstand the stresses
and strains experienced during flight. Through rigorous testing and analysis, we will determine
the most robust and reliable envelope design that can withstand the challenges of stratospheric
operations in space applications.

Additionally, this project aims to explore the thermal management capabilities of

different envelope designs for stratospheric airships. Maintaining suitable internal
temperatures is essential for the successful operation of space-based missions, as extreme cold
or heat can negatively impact sensitive payloads and equipment. By investigating various
envelope designs, insulation materials, and thermal control mechanisms, we seek to identify
the design that offers the most effective thermal regulation, ensuring optimal conditions for
payloads and instruments throughout the airship's mission in the stratosphere. Overall, this
comparative study will provide valuable insights into the envelope designs for stratospheric
airships in space applications, enabling the development of more efficient, durable, and
thermally controlled platforms for future space missions.

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3.3. PROJECT OUTCOME

The comparative study of envelope designs for stratospheric airships in space

applications has yielded significant insights into the optimization of these vehicles for various
missions. Through comprehensive analysis and evaluation of different envelope designs, this
project has identified key factors such as material properties, structural integrity, and thermal
management that influence the performance of stratospheric airships in space. The findings of
this study will contribute to the development of more efficient and reliable envelope designs,
enabling enhanced maneuverability, prolonged mission duration, and improved payload
capacity for future space applications.

One of the major outcomes of this project is the identification of novel materials and
construction techniques that can enhance the envelope design of stratospheric airships for
space applications. The study explored advanced composite materials with high strength-to-
weight ratios and exceptional durability, as well as innovative manufacturing methods like
additive manufacturing and nanotechnology-based fabrication. By evaluating these options,
the project has highlighted the potential of lightweight and robust envelope structures that can
withstand the harsh conditions of the stratosphere while reducing the overall weight of the
airship, thereby enabling greater payload capacity and increased operational efficiency.

Furthermore, the comparative study provided valuable insights into the thermal
management strategies for envelope designs of stratospheric airships in space. The project
investigated various approaches, including passive and active cooling systems, insulation
materials, and radiative heat transfer mechanisms. By analyzing the thermal performance of
different envelope designs, this study has identified solutions that can effectively regulate the
temperature inside the airship, ensuring the integrity of sensitive equipment and optimizing
energy consumption. These findings will be instrumental in the development of envelope
designs that can maintain stable internal conditions, enabling the deployment of scientific
instruments, telecommunications equipment, and other payloads in space missions involving
stratospheric airships

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 CHAPTER 4
COMAPARATIVE STUDY
4.1COMPARATIVE STUDY
The general methodology is followed to determine the geometrical dimensions and mass
of the stratospheric airship envelope. Among various shapes of envelopes NPL and GNVR
shapes are considered here for study. Here the initial calculations are done for the sea level
atmospheric conditions. This model can be scaled for the stratospheric application which is
explained further.

4.1.1 NPL

The NPL is a double ellipsoid low drag shape. The schematic representation of NPL shape is
as shown below

Fig:4.1.1 NPL shape

𝑥2 𝑦2 𝑥2 𝑦2
+ =1 + =1
𝑎2 𝑏 2 2𝑎2 𝑏 2

The fineness ratio is 4. Here the helium which has the density of 0.2 kg/m^3 chosen as
the lifting gas. The of solar array mass is assumed to be around 0.1575 kg which typically acts
as the payload for the system example, space based solar power system.

The diameter of the envelope is assumed and rest of the calculations are carried out
based on heaviness and lifting capacity of the envelope.

𝐿
=4
𝐷

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 The above equation represents the fineness ratio and the length of the airship
envelope (L) can be determined.

The airship envelope volume for NPL

𝑉 = 𝑉1 + 𝑉2

2
𝑉1 = ∗ 𝜋 ∗ 𝑎 ∗ 𝑏2
3

2
𝑉2 = = ∗ 𝜋 ∗ √2𝑎 ∗ 𝑏 2
3

Here a and b are as per the diagram mentioned above.

The surface area of the envelope

𝑆 = 𝑆1 + 𝑆2

0.625
2 ∗ (𝑎 ∗ 𝑏)1.6 + 𝑏 2
𝑆1 = 2 ∗ 𝜋 ∗ [ ]
3

1.6 0.625
2 ∗ (√2𝑎 ∗ 𝑏) + 𝑏2
𝑆2 = 2 ∗ 𝜋 ∗ [ ]
3

The below table gives the value of few calculated parameters:

Table 4.1.2 NPL shape parameters

Max diameter (m) 0.4512

Fineness ratio 4

Envelope length (m) 1.8049

Envelope volume (m^3) 0.1908

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 Envelope surface area (m^2) 2.04142

Total weight without lifting gas (N) 2.1459

The envelope coordinates are plotted as shown below,

Fig 4.1.3 NPL profile coordinates

Similarly, the determined geometrical dimensions can be scaled for the stratospheric airship.
The obtained results based on the literature survey are mentioned below.

Table 4.1.4 NPL shape parameters for stratospheric application

Max diameter (m) 73.25

Fineness ratio 4

Envelope length (m) 293

Envelope volume (m^3) 822742.1

Envelope surface area (m^2) 54090.7

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 Fig 4.1.5 cad model of airship with NPL shape

4.1.2 GNVR

The GNVR shape is the combination of Ellipse, circle and parabola. Here the max diameter is
the main sizing parameter which is used to formulate the geometry of GNVR shape.

The schematic representation of GNVR shape is as shown below

Fig: 4.1.6 GNVR shape

2
Elliptical region: 0 to 1.25*𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥 → y = 5 √(2.5 ∗ 𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥 ∗ 𝑥 − 𝑥 2

Circular region: 1.25*𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑡𝑜 (1.25 + 1.62) ∗ 𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥

→ y = √16𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥 2 − (𝑥 − 1.25𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥 )^2 - 3.5𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥

Parabolic region: (1.25 + 1.62) ∗ 𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥 𝑡𝑜 𝐿 → y = √0.137𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥 (𝐿 − 𝑥)

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The fineness ratio is 3.05. Here the helium which has the density of 0.2 kg/m^3 chosen as the
lifting gas. The of solar array mass is assumed to be around 0.1575 kg which typically acts as
the payload for the system example, space based solar power system.
The diameter of the envelope is assumed and rest of the calculations are carried out based on
heaviness and lifting capacity of the envelope.

𝐿
= 3.05
𝐷

The above equation represents the fineness ratio, the length of the airship envelope (L) can be
determined.

The airship envelope volume for GNVR

𝑉 = 1.4784 ∗ 𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥 3

The surface area of the envelope is

𝑆 = 7.4481 ∗ 𝐷𝑚𝑎𝑥 2

The below table gives the value of few calculated parameters:

Table 4.1.7. GNVR shape parameters

Max diameter (m) 0.5096

Fineness ratio 3.05

Envelope length (m) 1.5542

Envelope volume (m^3) 0.1956

Envelope surface area (m^2) 1.9339

Total weight without lifting gas (N) 2.1142

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The envelope coordinates are plotted as shown below,

Fig 4.1.8 GNVR profile coordinates

Similarly, the determined geometrical dimensions can be scaled for the stratospheric
airship. The obtained results based on the literature survey are mentioned below.

Table 4.1.8 GNVR shape parameters for stratospheric application

Max diameter (m) 82.98

Fineness ratio 3.05

Envelope length (m) 253.089

Envelope volume (m^3) 844719

Envelope surface area (m^2) 51285.24

Fig 3.1.7 cad model of airship with GNVR shape

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4.2 RESULT AND DISCUSSION
The comparative study on NPL and GNVR shape design has given us a wide range of
information for the airship conditions in stratospheric atmosphere.
The below table has given us brief description a detailed view on comparison.
Table 4.1.1 results comparison
NPL GNVR
Max diameter (m) 0.4512 0.5096
Fineness ratio 4 3.05
Envelope length (m) 1.8049 1.5542
Envelope volume (m^3) 0.1908 0.1956
Envelope surface area (m^2) 2.04142 1.9339
Total weight without lifting 2.1459 2.1142
gas (N)

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 CHAPTER 5

FABRICATION
5.1 MATERIAL SELECTION

The selection of materials was done based on the stratospheric conditions to ensure
optimal performance and durability in that challenging environment. Upon the requirement ,
the PET MET or MPET (Metalized PET) material is chosen. PET MET refers to a polyester
film that has been coated with a layer of aluminum powder. Polyester film, commonly known
as PET film, is renowned for its exceptional strength and surface hardness. However, by
incorporating aluminum powder, the positive attributes of PET film, particularly in terms of
diffusion density, can be further enhanced.
Table 5.1.1. comparison table
Properties MPET Polyethylene Low-Density
Terephthalate Polyethylene
Barrier Properties Excellent Moderate Good

Light Reflection High Not Applicable Not Applicable

Heat Resistance Good Moderate Good

Strength and Rigidity High Moderate Moderate

Gas and Moisture Excellent Moderate Good

Barrier
Printability Excellent Moderate Good

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5.2. FABRICATION PROCESS

1) Petal printout : The cad model of the airship envelope petal is drafted and taken
printout with the same dimensions.

Fig: 5.2.1 Petal printout

2) Cut the material to the exact petal shape: The printout which is taken with the same
dimensions is used to cut the petals with the same dimensions.

Fig: 5.2.2 cutting the petal

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 3) Make six petals : As calculated earlier , we need six petals to make an airship .

Fig: 5.2.3. Six petals

4) Seal the petals together : after preparing 6 separate petals, join them through heat
sealing.

Fig: 5.2.4. Sealing the petals

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 5)Final output: Final output is after inflating the envelope using air.

Preparation of NPL:

Fig 5.2.5 NPL shape

Preparation of GNVR:

Fig 5.2.6 GNVR shape

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 Fig 5.2.7 Inflated envelope shapes

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 CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION

The comparative study on envelope designs for stratospheric airships in space

applications highlights the importance of choosing the most suitable design for achieving
optimal performance and functionality in the challenging environment of the stratosphere. The
study evaluates different envelope designs based on various parameters such as surface area,
volume. The findings of the study suggest that envelope designs incorporating lightweight.
Firstly, the NPL envelope design offers advantages in terms of structural simplicity and ease
of manufacturing. Its streamlined shape and reduced complexity make it a cost-effective
option, suitable for certain applications where maneuverability and payload capacity are not
the primary concerns. On the other hand, GNVR has optimized shape and increased lift-to-
drag ratio enable better control and stability during flight, especially in high-altitude and
stratospheric conditions. This makes the GNVR design more suitable for applications that
require precise navigation and maneuvering capabilities. Additionally, the comparative study
highlights that the choice between NPL and GNVR envelope designs depends on specific
mission requirements and objectives.

It is worth noting that both envelope designs require proper consideration of material
selection. This factor plays a crucial role in ensuring the overall performance, durability, and
safety of the stratospheric airship. the comparative study reveals that the NPL envelope design
offers simplicity and cost-effectiveness, while the GNVR design provides enhanced
aerodynamics and maneuverability. The selection between these two designs should be based
on the specific mission requirements and operational constraints of the space application in
question.

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 CHAPTER 7

REFERENCES

1) Mohammad Irfan, Ihaik Subhani, Rajkumar S Pant multidisciplinary shape

optimization of stratospheric airships, HAL open science, ICTACEM-2014/0352,
submitted on march 2017
2) Amol C. Gawale and Rajkumar S. Pant, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, initial
sizing and sensitivity of the stratospheric airships for psuedolite based navigation
system, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2019.
3) Lanchuan Zhang a,∗, Weiyu Zhu b, Huafei Du c, Mingyun Lv, multidisciplinary design
of high-altitude airship based on solar energy optimization. Aerospace Science and
Technology, article received on 18 September 2020.
4) Mohamed Atyyal , Gamal M. ElBayoumi and Mohamed Lotfy, optimal shape design
of an airship based on geometrical aerodynamic parameters. Beni-suef university
journal of basic and applied sciences,2023.
5) iwei Tang 1, Weicheng Xie 2, Xiaoliang Wang , Yonglin Chen and Junjie Wu, study
of the mechanical properties of near-space airship envelope material based on an
optimization method. Aerospace MDPI, published on 26 october 2022.
6) Kanika Garg, and Thomas Kuhn, balloons design for the mars, venus, and titan
atmospheres. Applied sciences MDPI, 4 may 2020.
7) Shaik Subhani, Mohd. Irfan Alam and Rajkumar S. Pant, Indian Institute of
Technology, sizing of stratospheric airship for space-based applications. Proceeding of
the 2nd international space conference, India, January 2015.

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