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

Components

Setup

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)

Model contd.

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.

Conclusions

Making a blimp from scratch is expensive and requires an assortment of parts.

Research into the actual lift provided per volume of helium simplifies the construction process.

Possible improvements include “fun” additions, such as a pellet gun that drops “bombs” on targets.