Zero-Pressure Balloon Design

In atmospheric balloon research it is very important to describe accurately the balance of forces applied to a film and to use this analytical description to produce a suitable manufactured balloon shape. This paper investigates several additions to the presently accepted method for free balloon design. This includes a study of the nonuniform stress state created by the inclusion of load tapes in the theoretical model. The effects of balloon material properties and deformations are also considered. These refinements result in a more accurate theoretical model and an improved design for atmospheric balloons.