Development of three-dimensional reinforced membrane technology for high performance balloon and inflatable applications

Balloon users are seeking innovative and cost-effective solutions to provide: high strength to weight composite envelope materials; efficient cost-effective seaming and fabrication techniques; deployment and inflation of balloon envelopes in planetary atmospheres and unique balloon design concepts. Three-dimensionally reinforced (3DR) technology addresses all these challenges by providing: locally reinforced materials to optimize strength to weight; innovative gore fabrication and joining techniques to produce almost seamless structures; envelopes designed to efficiently handle multiple loading conditions and adaptability to a wide range of innovative designs and shapes. An overview of ongoing development work is presented including dramatic balloon performance increases, material and test method research and manufacturing challenges. (C) 2004 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.