I'm trying to model the ascent of a helium filled weather balloon from 0km to 25km altitude. The plan is to eventually use a python script to calculate the time taken to reach 25km. However, I don't really know where to start.
I have worked out an expression for acceleration in terms of the balloons volume and the density of surrounding air. I now need to find an way of calculating the volume at a given altitude such that I can model the acceleration throughout the ascent.
So if anyone could help me with this I would greatly appreciate it.
Best Answer
Both temperature and pressure variation with altitude are given here You can use the ideal gas law to get the volume with altitude from these.