Chinese Sky Lanterns fly with the aid of heated air, much like a hot air balloon.
Known as Khoom Fay or Khom Loy, Chinese sky lanterns use hot air to rise into the night sky, much like hot air balloons. They are made from rice paper or mulberry paper, glued over a bamboo frame, with an x-shaped wire structure at the bottom to hold the fuel cell. This project's fuel cell will be made from a bamboo strip encased in ethanol-soaked cotton. As the fuel cell burns, it heats the air inside the lantern, causing it to rise. Once the fuel cell is spent, the air inside cools, and the lantern descends.
Instructions
Lantern Construction
1. Use the knife to cut six bamboo strips, 1/3- to 1/2-inch wide, making sure they are very thin so they bend easily. Be aware that the strips must be all the same length (approximately 24 to 36 inches). Bend each strip to form a circle and glue the ends together. Cut a 4-inch piece of bamboo, and set it aside to be used later with the fuel cell.
2. Tie two pieces of copper wire to one of the bamboo rings, to create an "x" or cross. This ring will be the bottom-most ring of the lantern.
3. Cut the paper to create a cylindrical shape that will cover the bamboo rings. Glue the paper pieces to the rings, with edges overlapping. Make sure to place the wired ring at the bottom and a second ring at the top, and then evenly space the other rings in between. Cut a round piece of paper for the top, making it large enough to overlap the edges onto the lantern sides. Glue the circle to the top of the lantern.
Flying the Sky Lantern
4. Select a location that is free of trees, telephone poles and overhead wires. Make sure there are no laws against fireworks in this area, as sky lanterns may be considered fireworks. Travel to the location at night with at least one other person.
5. Create the fuel cell by first bending the 4-inch strip of bamboo into a U-shape. Immerse the cotton in ethanol and use it to envelop the bamboo strip. Hang the bent part of the fuel cell over in the center of the crossed copper wires so the ends are hanging down.
6. Have one person lightly hold the lantern, fuel cell in the down position. The other person will use the matches or lighter to light the fuel cell.
7. Release the lantern when a lifting force is felt. Watch the lantern as it gently ascends into the night sky. Watch for the fuel cell to burn out, and track the lantern's descent to the ground so it may be retrieved.
Tags: fuel cell, bamboo rings, bamboo strip, into night, made from, Make sure