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Notes on the Opening Behaviour and the Opening Forces of Parachutes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2016

F. O'Hara
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Summary

An approximate theory of parachute opening is suggested. A formula is derived for the critical opening speed (the highest speed at which the canopy develops fully) which indicates variation of the critical speed with fabric porosity, rigging line length and so forth, of the order observed in wind tunnel tests. Assuming a simple form for the air flow about the parachute, a formula is obtained also for the rate of opening of a canopy. This enables an analysis to be made of the motion of a store-parachute system during canopy development. The theory confirms the possibility of a large increase with altitude, found experimentally, in the maximum parachute force on the store.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 53 , Issue 467 , November 1949 , pp. 1053 - 1062
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1949

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References

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