childish question. Why not inflate tubes helium gas

[MatFromPoland]

One of my twins (14-een) asked me this question after he learnt in School about this gas ...

Had not idea what to answer except cost

But if performance and fuel consumption is related to weight why not ...
Or it is not safe plus not good for tubes ?

Sorry for childish question but I have snow around and plenty time for stupid questions.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

OK, boys calculated force using formula:

F = g * V * (density_air - density_helium)
density_air = 1,29 kg/m3
density_helium = 0,18 kg/m3
g = 9,8 N/kg
V = pi*r2 * 12 meters (lenght of tubes, r is 0,27)

So the force is ONLY 2,5 N
I do not expect to fly like on "UP" movie.
But is it only so small difference in weight ?
If yes - there is not reason to use expensive helium

[Dry Run]

Hi,

I think you'll find that you would need another tube material other than Hypalon as the helium will leak out. and as I guess you've discovered the weight saving would be miniscule.

Steve

[davkt]

Small molecules so take an awful lot of keeping in!

[Pikey Dave]

Helium is also hideously expensive, it's also a finite resource, when it's gone, it's gone. We shouldn't be wasting it on balloons & toys.

[Maximus]

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Helium is also hideously expensive, it's also a finite resource, when it's gone, it's gone. We shouldn't be wasting it on balloons & toys.

...You been on the Nitrus Oxide again!??

[Pikey Dave]

Originally Posted by Maximus

...You been on the Nitrus Oxide again!??

That made I larf[emoji23]