Equilibrium Configuration Analysis of Non-rigid Airship Subjected to Weight and Buoyancy

摘要

The general forces applied on the airship hull and their effects on the overall structural behavior are evaluated according to the classical engineering method. The static and differential pressure moment are observed to constitute great parts of the whole bending moment. A numerical procedure is proposed on the basis of pre-stressed pneumatic membrane structure, which assumes a basic pressure to be the pre-stress, then applies buoyancy and constraints, and finally calculates the equilibrium configuration. The airship hull is assumed to be either close or open, i.e. constant mass or constant pressure, respectively. Finally, a 25-m demonstration airship is investigated comprehensively. Seven models are created to investigate the structural behavior of the airship subjected to various loading conditions. Interest structural behavior and numerical characteristics are demonstrated.