Continuum models

Abstract

Helium filled carnival balloons take off easily and can fly long distances. How high can they rise? Can they be of concern to airplanes? Now you might say that this latter question sounds a bit artificial and naive. However, helium balloons are regularly sent to the upper atmosphere for observing weather data. When designing and controlling such measurements, one has to know how high the balloons will rise and how much time they need for the journey.