The Degradation of Parachutes: Age and Mechanical Wear
Abstract
New and previously published data involving the strength of parachute suspension cord are consolidated and critically analyzed for the purpose of extracting the effect of age (storage life) from the combined effect of age use (number of jumps). Test results from both new and used parachutes (some as old as 23 years) show that a 35% decrease is the tensile strength of parachute suspension cord (usually occurring within the first five year of service) can be attributed to use. Fluorescence measurements and mass spectral data obtained on samples selected from the previous in-house studies show no correlation between the strength of the parachute suspension cord and any of the fluorescence or mass spectral. This lack of correlation indicates that breakdown of nylon 66 is negligible in normally aged parachutes. This is consistent with the analysis of the strength data which shows a degradation rate of approximately 0.5% per year for unused parachutes under normal storage conditions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA252243
Entities
People
- Ronald A. Segars
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center