Some Aspects of the Evaluation of the Useful Life of Nylon Parachutes and Parachute Materials

Abstract

An aim of the current work on parachute service life is to determine the limits of degradation to be expected which can serve as a basis for determining the extent and severity of the deterioration problem. The approach being followed is to subject parachute components and sub-assemblies to degrading influences such as light, heat and storage under various climatic conditions for periods of time up to and exceeding what might be encountered under the most severe use conditions. From such data, extrapolations may be made to determine the potential residual service life of existing stocks of parachutes with known use and storage history. With such knowledge, decisions regarding serviceability may be made on a statistical sampling basis rather than 100% inspection. The specific studies which form a part of our current program are: Solar and ultra-violet radiation; Wetting and drying in sunlight and drying equipment; Permanent set during storage; Mechanical damage in use and maintenance; Durability of seams and thread; Deterioration due to chemical atmospheric agents; Fatigue due to repeated impact loading. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1956
Accession Number
AD0860186

Entities

People

  • Louis I. Weiner

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Supplies
  • Cargo Parachutes
  • Engineering
  • Fabrics
  • Fibers
  • Heat Energy
  • Materials
  • Mechanical Properties
  • Parachute Fabrics
  • Parachutes
  • Physical Properties
  • Radiation
  • Solar Radiation
  • Statistical Sampling
  • Sunlight
  • Textiles
  • Time Intervals

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Polymer Science and Engineering.
  • Theoretical Analysis.