Hot Air Balloon Lift Calc 1.2

The Hot Air Balloon Lift Calculator is a specialized tool designed for those interested in the physics and mathematics underlying hot air ballooning. It offers users the ability to quickly determine key parameters such as Balloon Volume, Surface Pressure, Flight Altitude, Ambient Temperature, Envelope Temperature, and Lift Force.

Key Features:

• Instant calculations for efficient usage
• Results can be easily copied to other applications
• Includes relevant formulas for reference
• Supports precision up to 16 decimal places
• Accommodates various units for each input

The lift generated by a hot air balloon is influenced by the temperature differential between the air inside the balloon and the ambient air, along with atmospheric pressure. The buoyant force acts on the heated air within the envelope, allowing for ascension. For a hot air balloon to take flight, the total weight of its components—envelope, burner, fuel tanks, gondola, and passengers—must be less than the generated lift force.

The lifting force is primarily dictated by the density difference between the air inside the balloon and that of the surrounding atmosphere, as well as the volume of the balloon itself.

Formula:

L = Palt * V / Rs * (1 / Tamb - 1 / Tenv)

Where:

• L: balloon payload lift
• Rs: specific gas constant (for dry air: 287.058 J*kg⁻¹*K⁻¹)
• Palt: atmospheric pressure at the operating altitude
• V: envelope volume
• Tamb: ambient temperature
• Tenv: envelope temperature