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Trajectory Modeling of Phase Change Lighter-Than-Air Systems for Venus Exploration
Journal
AIAA Aviation and Aeronautics Forum and Exposition, AIAA AVIATION Forum 2021
Date Issued
2021-01-01
Author(s)
Kiran Babu, K. M.
Gulawani, Shantanu
Pant, Rajkumar S.
Abstract
Exploration of the atmosphere of Venus is of great interest to climate scientists and space enthusiasts. An oscillatory motion of weather probes over a long duration in the upper atmosphere of Venus is needed for carrying out this task. Lighter-than-Air systems that work on phase change fluids (PCFs) are one of the potential candidates for this application, by taking advantage exploring the Venusian atmosphere considering its temperature gradients. This paper describes a thermal model for a PCF filled spherical balloon, and a trajectory model for exploring the atmosphere of Venus. A good agreement is obtained with the trajectory of HASI Balloon GPS data. The phase change model is validated with the analytical calculations available in literature. The developed framework is useful for carrying out the single balloon trajectory computations in the Venusian atmosphere, with the objective of optimum system sizing.