DETERMINATION OF THE AERODYNAMIC DRAG AND STATIC STABILITY OF REEFED PARACHUTE CANOPIES. (WIND TUNNEL STUDY).
Abstract
An experimental investigation to determine the aerodynamic drag and static stability of reefed parachute canopy models of 18-inches nominal diameter operating under captive (infinite mass) conditions was conducted. Parachute canopy models of Flat Circular, Extended Skirt, Hemispherical, Ringslot, Flat Circular Ribbon, 20-Degree Conical Ribbon, Hemisflo, and Ringsail designs were tested in the AF Flight Dynamics Laboratory's 1-meter-cross-section nonreturn wind tunnel for the fully open state and for various reefing ratios. The aerodynamic coefficients were determined for angles of attack over a range of 35 degrees for all solid cloth type parachute canopy models in the fully open state and for angles of attack over a range of 15 degrees for all geometric porosity type parachute canopies, and for the reefed conditions of both types. Both the frontal and profile shapes of each canopy type tested in the fully open and reefed conditions at zero-degree angle of attack were photographically determined. The aerodynamic coefficients of each parachute canopy type for the fully open and reefed conditions are presented in tabular and graphical form. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0459358
Entities
People
- Arnold B. Riffle
Organizations
- Flight Dynamics Laboratory