Performance Characteristics of 5 Ft Diameter Nylon and Kevlar Hemisflo Ribbon Parachutes at Dynamic Pressures up to 6000 PSF
Abstract
This report describes, and documents the results of a long term, experimental track test program conducted to advance those technologies associated with parachute operation at high Mach numbers and low altitudes; that is, at high dynamic pressures. The objective of the program was to determine deployment techniques, performance characteristics, and structural design criteria for nylon and Kevlar hemisflo parachutes operating at dynamic pressures up to 6000 psf. A total of 20 sled test runs were made; three tests provided no parachute performance data because of deployment system malfunctions, three tests were made with the Tomahawk sled at Mach 1.2 to establish a deployment technique, and 14 tests were made with the Arrowhead sled at Mach numbers of 1. 5, 1.8, and 2.2 to obtain the comparative performance and structural integrity data. The filling times, opening shock factors, stability angles, and projected areas of the nylon and Kevlar parachutes were approximately equal for all test conditions. The Kevlar parachutes generated approximately 50 percent higher deployment forces, 22 percent lower opening forces, and 18 percent lower steady state drag forces than the nylon parachutes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADB029583
Entities
People
- Charles A. Babish Iii.
Organizations
- Flight Dynamics Laboratory