Need some thermodynamics help

[Chris02NeonSXT 10+ year member]

Here's the question:

A helium filled blimp is capapble of providing a gross lifting capacity of 1100 kg. Assume atmospheric pressure is 101 kPa, ambient temperature is 15*C, and that the blimp has the shape of a prolate ellipsoid. Its volume is given by the equation: V=4/3pi*a*b^2, where "b" = 1/2 the diameter and "a" is 1/2 the length, and a=4b.

I need to find the length and diameter.

Any ideas how to even start this problem? Are there any thermo web sites you guys use?

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[destruction 10+ year member]

false

 

[Mark_ab 5,000+ posts]

false

I was going to put true, but I see where you're coming from. I'll go with false as well.

 

[ToyTundra 10+ year member]

should involve the ideal gas law (or something similar). Plug the V, temp and Patm and whatever else you can into it, then solve for a or b. use a=4b for the second.

I can't help more, i skipped thermo last semster...

 

[jujumantb 10+ year member]

http://answers.google.com/answers/main?gsessionid=S6b56AE1Hfw