Enhanced deformation resistance and load-bearing performance of inflatable balloons with flexible support skeletons

High-altitude flexible balloons have attracted significant interest for their lightweight construction, compact stowage volume, and reliable deployment. However, their thin-walled, flexible materials make them highly sensitive to external stimuli, which can induce substantial deformations, diminish structural load-bearing capacity, and even lead to functional failure. To address this challenge, we propose a novel strategy for incorporating flexible support skeletons into inflatable balloons to reduce deformation and enhance load-bearing performance. Effects of support-skeleton arrangement and internal pressure on balloon deformation and load-bearing characteristics are further examined through numerical simulations and experimental tests. Results demonstrate that, by optimizing the stress distribution of the inflatable balloon with supporting frameworks, the structure retains exceptional shape stability and load-bearing performance even under extreme low-pressure conditions (P = 1 Pa), achieving 1.80 times the capacity of frameless configurations at a framework pressure of 50 kPa. Intersecting internal flexible frameworks deliver the best performance, reducing maximum structural displacement by 47.43 % compared to conventional inflatable balloons. Notably, when accounting for weight effects, they yield absolute improvements of 33.33 % in geometric stability and 41.67 % in load-bearing capacity. This approach offers a practical design pathway for shape retention and load support in next-generation, high-capacity aerostats.