Hot Air Balloon Science - Ride Across the Clouds

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Hot air balloon science - like any other flying object may appear to be an incredibly complicated contraption. In reality however, the principle behind hot air balloons is actually rather straightforward. Simply take a giant balloon, fill it with hot air and hey presto-up up and away you go!

According to standard hot air balloon science, a balloon is typically made up of three key parts- the gondola or basket, the burner and the envelope. The envelope is the main part of the balloon constructed out of lightweight, durable fabric such as nylon or polyester. Upon being filled with heated air, this section of the balloon expands and begins to rise. Envelopes are usually bright end colourful and may come in an array of shapes and sizes. Balloon manufacturers are constantly attempting to outdo one other by creating more and more unique and elaborate envelope designs.

The basket is the part of the balloon which carries passengers and the pilot. In days gone by baskets were constructed from wicker only. Today, fibreglass and aluminium are also used, although wicker remains the most popular alternative due to the fact that it is strong, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. The majority of baskets are open air, although it is possible to have them enclosed should the pilot so desire.

The burner is the part of the balloon that heats the air within the envelope thereby causing the balloon to rise. Balloons may have only one burner or several, depending on their overall design. The burner uses propane gas which is essentially gasoline in its gaseous form. The gas is lit with a pilot light, resulting in an enormous flame which extends into the envelope of the balloon, heating the air inside of it.

Here comes the science part - Once heated, this air becomes less dense than the surrounding air in the atmosphere, causing the hot air balloon to rise and float upwards. When the pilot wishes to stop gaining altitude, or alternatively is ready to begin his decent, he simply opens the parachute valve at the top of the balloon. This results in hot air from within the envelope being released into the atmosphere which in turn allows colder, denser air to flow into the envelope. This causes the balloon to become heavier and therefore sink towards the ground.

Due to the fact that propane is a readily available and relatively cheap fuel source, operating a hot air balloon is generally amazingly economical. This may be part of the reason that hot air ballooning as a recreational sport is becoming more and more popular worldwide.

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Hot Air Balloon Science - Ride Across the Clouds

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