Abstract: Based on the finite element method, a multi-mass dynamic model of a tethered balloon is developed to simulate the dynamic ascending process of a certain tethered balloon in a wind filed. The large eccentric flexible tether is discreted into a number of nodes. Each node is modeled as a mass damping spring. The motion of each node is determined by the tension, aerodynamic force and gravity of that spring. The dynamic characteristics of the trajectory,release speed,tensile force,length,shape and horizontal drift distance are provided, and the analysis calculation is also made. Compared with the results of similar numerical examples from abroad, this method exhibits better prediction ability in the parameter perturbation of a tethered balloon during ascending, and this is of value to guiding the release control of the tethered balloon.

Key words: tethered balloon, ascent, multi-mass dynamics, damping spring, dynamic simulation, finite element method