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Unread 29-03-2013, 21:09
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ToddF ToddF is offline
mechanical engineer
AKA: Todd Ferrante
FRC #2363 (Triple Helix)
Team Role: Mentor
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
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Location: Newport News, VA
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Re: Are we allowed to use helium?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Racer26 View Post
...Now i'm wondering if I could put enough helium in a pneumatic tire to make it float.
Interestingly, adding helium to a fixed volume will make it LESS likely to float. In the case of a mylar bag, the maximum lift potential happens when the bag volume just reaches its maximum. If you keep pressurizing the bag, you are adding more gas mass, but keeping the volume fixed. Density increases, causing a loss of lift. If the bag were strong enough, it would be possible to pressurize the bag to the point where the mass of helium in the bag would be greater than the air it displaced, actually making the bag sink, rather than rise.
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