Journal of Textile Science and Technology

Journal of Textile Science and Technology

Experimental Development of Tactical Aerostat Patching Scheme

Document Type : Research/ Original/ Regular Article

Authors
Saeed Sarkheil 1
Ali Jafarian 2
Abolfazl Jangi 2
1 Assistant Professor, Space Transportation Research Institute, Iranian Space Research Center, Tehran, Iran
2 Researcher, Space Transportation Research Institute, Iranian Space Research Center, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jtst.2024.430273.1441
Abstract
In an aerostat, the connection of the balloon to the ground is made through a rope called a tether, which is connected to the balloon body through several patchings. Patching plays a significant role in load-bearing and transferring the load to the balloon’s hull. Due to the high complexity stress analysis on patching, this study focuses on the development of its design through testing and analyzing of the results. In the first phase, to save time and cost, small-sized samples were prepared. By making changes to the way the ropes were connected, the type of fabric used, and the arrangement of patching, the initial design of the patching was ultimately achieved. After confirming the design in small samples, in the second phase, the patching was constructed in the actual size, and the effects of various factors on its strength were investigated. Then, by changing the way the patching fabric was connected to the base fabric and achieving an appropriate strength, the final patching design was completed. The last phase was evaluated using the actual fabric used in the balloon’s body. The tests performed in the final phase showed that the designed patching has the capability to withstand loads exceeding 8200 N and can bear the applied load with appropriate safety factor.
Keywords
Tethered balloon
Patching
Fabric
Aerostat
Tensile strength

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 18 December 2023
  • Revise Date 09 October 2024
  • Accept Date 10 November 2024