H. D. Melzig
Published: 1969
Total Pages: 94
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An experimental investigation was conducted to determine the differential pressure distribution over the surface of parachute canopies during the period of inflation under mass conditions. Full scale parachute canopies of the circular flat, 10% extended skirt, ringslot and ribbon types were utilized during the free-flight test program, and differential pressures on the gore centerline and on the cord line were measured by means of four pressure transducers distributed over the canopy in equal distances from the skirt to the vent. In order to analyze the relationships and dependencies between the pressure distribution, projected canopy area, canopy shape, generated force, and dynamic pressure, graphical displays of these quantities were made as a function of time for each type of parachute canopy. The results of the pressure distribution measurements permit a better understanding of the physical nature of the dynamic process of parachute inflation. The stress distribution in a parachute canopy can be calculated if the corresponding canopy shape is known. For this purpose, the evolvement of the canopy shape with the corresponding time is presented for each of the canopy types. (Author).