PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE VORTEX RING PARACHUTE CANOPY.

Abstract

The performance characteristics of scale-model and full-size Vortex Ring parachute canopies were determined during wind-tunnel, aircraft-tow, and aerial-drop test programs. Specific performance characteristics of various modificationsof Vortex Ring parachute canopies are presented as well as comparative performance characteristics of a Type G-13 parachute canopy and a 28-ft standard, flat, circular parachute canopy tested under similar conditions. The drag coefficient for the Vortex Ring parachute canopies, determined during free-flight testing and based upon the total canopy cloth area, is appreciably higher than that for any other conventional type of parachute canopy, although it varied between 0.93 and 1.55. Drag coefficients as high as 1.97 were measured on scale-model canopies during subsonic wind-tunnel tests. The deployment and opening characteristics of the Vortex Ring parachute canopies, however, were erratic and inconsistent. When the parachute canopies inflated fully, they exhibited good stability characteristics. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0474407

Entities

People

  • Arnold B. Riffle
  • Reinhold J. Gross

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Coefficients
  • Drop Tests
  • Flight Testing
  • Free Flight
  • Models
  • Parachute Canopies
  • Parachutes
  • Scale Models
  • Subsonic Wind Tunnels
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Methods
  • Wind Tunnel Tests
  • Wind Tunnels

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.