Notes on a Parachute Opening Force Analysis Applied to a Vertical Toward-the-Earth Trajectory

Abstract

Recovery of payloads from high altitude often requires the deployment of parachutes on trajectories that are essentially vertical and toward the earth. The parachute opening shock force developed by a parachute deployed in this manner exceeds the opening shock force of the same parachute system deployed horizontally at the same altitude and velocity. As the deployment trajectory angle varies from horizontal to vertical, the opening shock force increased to a maximum. Hence, the vertical trajectory has special significance. This report develops an analysis to permit the calculation of opening shock forces in vertical deployment. The validity of the rule of thumb that 'the vertical deployment opening shock force exceeds the horizontal shock force by one 'g' is tested, and criteria are developed. Examples are used to demonstrate applications of the approach, and a method of calculating the inflation time of Solid Cloth parachutes in vertical fall developed. Keywords: Vertical inflation time; Limiting ballistic mass ratio.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 28, 1987
Accession Number
ADA180901

Entities

People

  • William P. Ludtke

Organizations

  • Naval Ordnance Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Classification
  • Computer Programs
  • Diameters
  • Dynamic Pressure
  • Elastic Properties
  • Fabrics
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Geometry
  • High Altitude
  • Military Research
  • Parachute Canopies
  • Parachutes
  • Shape
  • Steady State
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Trajectories

Readers

  • Aerial Delivery - Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Aerospace logistics and air mobility.
  • Control Systems Engineering.