Momentum-Impulse Balance and Parachute Inflation: Clusters

In a previous publication the momentum-impulse theorem (or MI theorem) was used for estimating the maximum parachute drag force Fmax generated during inflation. This paper showed how to calculate Fmax for any type of parachute, reefing, and drop conditions. This engineering note continues using the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of aircraft 2007-03, Vol.44 (2), p.687-691
Main Author:	Potvin, J
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Aerodynamics Applied fluid mechanics Cluster analysis Estimating techniques Exact sciences and technology Fluid dynamics Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications) Physics Studies Theorems
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	In a previous publication the momentum-impulse theorem (or MI theorem) was used for estimating the maximum parachute drag force Fmax generated during inflation. This paper showed how to calculate Fmax for any type of parachute, reefing, and drop conditions. This engineering note continues using the impulse and momentum concepts, this time for the analysis of clusters of hemispherical parachutes dropped from slow or fast aircraft (parachute clusters are built by connecting at least two parachutes side-by-side. Here the discussion will proceed from an analytical and exact result that also follows from the theorem, but a result that applies only to parachute systems inflating along a vertical trajectory, including many current cluster applications involving very large parachutes. Applying it to the case of hemispherical parachute clusters is also straightforward, although a key assumption shall be used to enhance its simplicity while maintaining its usefulness.
ISSN:	0021-8669 1533-3868