An Evaluation of Fiber Reinforced Films used in High Altitude Balloons

摘要

Dacron fiber reinforced mylar films of 2 basically different fiber geometries are analytically and experimentally investigated for use in high altitude balloons. These are the so called 'leno' film, produced by laminating a rectangular matrix of interwoven scrim fibers to the mylar film and the so called 'FTL' film produced with longitudinal fibers criss-crossed by diagonal fibers at some angle to the longitudinal direction. Experimentally, the durability of the film-fiber bond when subjected to oscillation at low temperatures, the mechanical properties of the mylar film, the mechanical properties of the dacron fibers and the strength of seals at low temperatures are investigated. (Author)