Random Pictures Thread

[Webb]

"The temperature does not directly affect the lift. The density of the balloon relative to the atmosphere does. "

Cutting fine hairs here but temperature does effect density - courtesy of Robert Boyle. That's why pelicans and other pelagic birds like to fly just above the wave tops - because the air is cooler and therefore denser, which makes it easier for them to glide without flapping their wings as often.

So if the air inside the balloon has been heated to approximately the same temperature every time they launch (since it's essentially exhaust from the propane burner), if the air is denser outside the balloon, the differential is greater and therefore the lift potential is higher.

Wrong again. Pelicans use ground effect when just above the water where the air pressure of their wings on the water pushes back and creates lift. Airplanes experience this when landing requiring us to reduce speed near a stall to get the plane on the ground. Also the slope of waves push air “up” as they move which creates additional lift.

Bernoulli‘s principle explains lift, not Boyle’s law for airfoils. The lift required for those birds to glide is due to pressure differentials between to lower and upper surfaces of their airfoils.

 

[daniscool]

"The temperature does not directly affect the lift. The density of the balloon relative to the atmosphere does. "

Cutting fine hairs here but temperature does effect density - courtesy of Robert Boyle. That's why pelicans and other pelagic birds like to fly just above the wave tops - because the air is cooler and therefore denser, which makes it easier for them to glide without flapping their wings as often.

So if the air inside the balloon has been heated to approximately the same temperature every time they launch (since it's essentially exhaust from the propane burner), if the air is denser outside the balloon, the differential is greater and therefore the lift potential is higher.

That is what I was saying. Basically I was pointing out that you were missing the link between the correlation of temperature to lift. This being density. I like to "Well actually..." a lot. I should probably work on reducing that tendency.

 

[daniscool]

Ok Daniboy, why don't you organize a balloon festival here in Tucson in late July/August. I guarantee you it will be a complete failure as you won't find any balloon pilots that would want to participate. Not because it would be uncomfortable for them but because Hot Air balloons would not be safe. .............. Nubs

Will do (-: when I go to texas. Considering my attitude to the region I'm not sure I will.

 

[Webb]

Just to change it up a bit, balloons have a lot more injuries and accidents than planes. However planes are more lethal when they do. BTW, people need to check their life insurance before going airborne in a general aviation craft (as in private plane). Most policies have exclusions for things like flying in a GA aircraft, rock climbing, parachuting, and other fun things.

 

[Nubsnstubs]

Will do (-: when I go to texas. Considering my attitude to the region I'm not sure I will.

I think you should go to Texas. It would be a trip you would remember for the rest of your life. When you arrive and get past the gates and in the lobby, just say out loud, "Don't listen to them Texans". I can't say what might happen, but I'm sure you would shrink a little after seeing the look on peoples faces. Might even be a grrrrr or two. ............ Nubs

 

[Nubsnstubs]

I am a pilot with a couple of thousand hours and multiple ratings. I have some balloon time but I am not a fan of it for a lot of reasons.

Nubs said......"come to Tucson in August, and if you can find a Balloon pilot to give you a ride at that time of year, I'll pay for your trip out here."

Be careful of bets like this. Pilots with a lighter than air certificates quite often have fixed wing certificates. I would be willing to bet that I can find a pilot to give me a ride in Tucson in August. Since balloon was not specified, a ride in any aircraft would meet the language specifications of your statement.......

It's all good fun. Since I'm retired, woodworking is a hobby. Aviation is a passion. I've built 2 aircraft (RV7A, and RV8) and on Monday of last week sold my Bonanza so I'm down to just the RV8. Heck, If I come to Tucson, I'll give you a ride.

Answer to the bold above. The last time I got a ride in a small plane, the next time my friend went for a flight, he crashed killing his parents, himself and his wife. I then decided I was a threat to small plane pilots. I haven't been in a small plane since '72. .......... Nubs