Event

For those who’s ideas are not all just hot air...
Ever thought that you could make a hot-air balloon with very simple household items? This Conscientia, make and launch your own indoor hot air balloon and win prizes for it!

Format

The aim is to launch indoors, a hot air balloon made adhering to the rules and regulations given, using simple things.

The balloon must be able to carry paper clips (a sample box of paper clips will be given at the time of the event) and stay above 5 ft from the ground. The participants should specify the number of clips their model can carry, depending on the confidence they have on their model.

Click here to register.

Rules and Regulations

• A team may consist of a maximum of 3 members.
• The height of the balloon and its volume must not exceed 6 ft and 16 cubic ft respectively.
• Use of liquid fuel is not allowed.
• The participants are not allowed to add fuel or tamper the balloon once it crosses the 5 feet mark.
• All teams must report at the venue 30 minutes before the event starts.
• The design must include a hook (or anything else) to carry the clips.
• The envelope’s catching fire will lead to disqualification of the team.
• A safety string of 10 ft length must be attached to the balloon.
• The balloon must be lighted only in the presence of and with the permission of the organisers.
• Number of trials allowed is two.
• For queries, clarifications and submissions, contact vihang[at]conscientia[dot]co[dot]in.

Eligibility
Open to all college students with valid ID cards.

Judgement and Evaluation

For the purpose of judgement, a score will be awarded to each team based on the following formula:
Points awarded = n × t^2 where,
n = number of paper clips supported by the balloon
t = time spent in the air above 5 ft with all the clips attached, in seconds

The decision of the judges/organisers will be final and binding on all.

FAQ

How to make the balloon?
Websites like this one are pretty useful. You can Google things out as well. Try to look for new and easy to make fuels.

(For Trivandrum's participants) Where to get the materials from?
Most of the plastic, metal you might need will be available in Chalai bazaar, Trivandrum. You will need to ask around a bit. There is a ‘Laboratory Equipments Supplies’ store below the Bank of India, near Ayurvedic College, M G Road, Trivandrum.

Can the energy source be on the ground while the balloon is up in the air?
Definitely not! The entire balloon must be in the air.

Can we use vaporised form of liquid fuels?
The only rule is that the balloon should not contain any liquid prior to the launch.

Can we use liquid fuels initially, prior to the launch?
The raw fuel should not be in liquid form. Fuel includes all that you use to supply energy to your balloon. The answer is a firm ‘no’.

When will you give the paper clips?
As already specified in the website, the paper clips will be provided during the event.