AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SUPERSONIC GUIDE SURFACE AND THE SPIKED RIBBON PARACHUTES.
Abstract
The location of shock waves, the pressure distribution and the mass flow, which are significant for the functioning of a parachute in supersonic flow, are discussed and some advantageous conditions are postulated. Wind tunnel studies are described in which the validity of the assumptions has been checked by means of models of a modified guide surface canopy combined with a shock producing cone. A configuration was found according to which 4 inch textile models function satisfactorily up to Mach numbers of 4.5. The results of further supersonic wind tunnel tests are shown in which a 4 ft supersonic guide surface parachute, built in accordance with the established aerodynamic parameters, functioned satisfactorily. This parachute collapsed due to structural weakness at a Mach number of 2.8 after being exposed to supersonic flow for approximately 90 minutes. The concept of the wake producing cone in conjunction with ribbon parachute canopies was also tried, but no satisfactory configuration was found. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0478533
Entities
People
- Helmut G. Heinrich
Organizations
- University of Minnesota