A Project By:
Soumyo Dutta, Scott Frazier, Nataly Sumarriva, Kevin Yount and Matt Reasor
Dirigibirble®
Introduction
The need of innovative transportation devices with cheap materials spurred our interest.
Initially the design was for a hot-air balloon.
The lack of igniter and the expense of a hot-air balloon created the necessity to change plans to one for a blimp.
Problem Statement
To design a dirigible capable of: (1) Self-propelled vertical lift (2) Propulsion while in air (3) Capable of landing on a target
Research
Copied from: http://www.chem.hawaii.edu/uham/lift.html
The components weighed approximately 0.9 lbf
Model
Materials:• Helium Balloon
• Basket (made of plastic)— salvaged from plastic tray compartment
• 9 V batteries (2)
• Servo (2)
• Radio-controller and receiver
• Battery case for Servo and 4 AAA batteries
• Computer fans (2)
• Circuit switches (2)
Testing
The weight of the components was counterbalanced by the buoyant force of the helium balloons.
A neutral buoyancy was reached. The fans (at an angle) allowed both
upward lift and forward thrust.