These are several attractive concepts for relatively low-cost Venus balloon experiments that would allow in situ measurements near the surface of Venus, as well as in the atmosphere. Venus balloon exploration concepts require balloon materials that can withstand the rigors of the Venus atmosphere, including temperatures of about 450 deg C. This requires evaluating and development of materials under conditions that match those encountered in Venus balloon experiments. High Temperature Polybenzoxazole (PBO) based liquid crystal polymer films and fibers have been evaluated to establish their suitability as candidate Venus balloon envelope material. Preliminary results from thermogravimetric (TGA) and thermal mechanical (TMA) evaluation show that the material is thermally stable at 500 deg C with promising mechanical properties. The effects of thermal cycling and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) on PBO film and fiber were measured. Preliminary Venus balloon material requirements have been developed.
High temperature materials for Venus balloon envelopes
Ein Hochtemperaturmaterial für Umhüllungen der Venus-Ballons
1995
9 Seiten, 12 Bilder, 10 Quellen
Conference paper
English