Dylan Kyker

TE 105
9/25/17

Parachutes
History of Parachutes
The individual credited for the most practical first parachute goes to Sebastien Lenormand
who proved his work in 1783. At this time, there were many people going after the invention of
the parachute so it’s difficult to name who was the first inventor. For example, centuries before
Sebastien Lenormand, Da Vinci had drawings of devices similar to what we know as parachutes.
His drawings inspired rigid based parachutes which are
parachutes with stiffness (like an umbrella) rather than a soft
chute that we have today. A man name Jean Pierre Blanchard
realized that soft parachutes were superior and must be stored
away properly before deploying it so he became the first person
to develop the first foldable parachute is 1793. From here the
parachute evolved for different purposes. For example, Knackle
and Madelung developed a parachute designed to deaccelerate
heavy, high speed payloads and H.G. Heinrich invented the
guide surface parachute which was used to pilot a chute or to
stabilize a vehicle in supersonic speeds. Furthermore,
Parachutes were quickly being designed for whatever they were
needed for because of technological and scientific
advancements. Picture of Da Vinci’s Drawing
of his thought of a parachute
What kind of scientific principles apply to parachute operation?
The most basic scientific principle that applies to parachutes is drag. Drag is air resistance
as the parachute falls towards the earth. The greater the surface area of the parachute, the more
air molecules that it encounters. Thus, results in the parachute descending slower and this
increases the safety for the payload or person. The principle that this applies to is zero porosity
which means the pores that are in the fabric of the chute are so close together that it does not
allow air molecules to pass through it. This, in turn, creates drag. Another principle applies to the
cords that are under instant heavy tension when the parachute is pulled. Cords are integrated with
rip cord technology which allows the sudden air resistance to not tear the chute or the individual
attached to it. It cushions the release by allowing some give in the wire. Another principle is the
design and shape of the parachute because it influences its purpose. For example, a square of
cruciform shape reduces turbulence and swinging during descent. A round type is used specifically
for maximum air resistance and is a simple chute for heavy equipment. Ribbon types are designed
to release in supersonic speeds with holes is the chute to release pressure from coming in at such
high speeds, this is another principle which allows a safe landing. There are many types of
parachutes and each has its own principle of science that it adapts to for its specific purpose.

Equation for air resistance:

Air resistance= (constant k)(velocity^2)=((air density)(drag)(area)/2)(velocity^2)
What kinds of materials have been/are used for each component?
The first parachutes were originally made of canvas and this is a very heavy duty woven
fabric. It was then replaced by silk which is lighter and stronger, this also made it easier to fold. It
also increased safety. As the availability of silk diminished in WW2, a cheaper, wind resistant,
elastic material came out and it is called Nylon. It is stilled used as the fabric for the parachute. It
is also used for the straps, reinforcing tape and suspension lines. Terylene is now a popular
polyester fabric that is used because it is heat resistant and strong. For the ripcords, stainless steel
is being used because of its strength and forged steel- plated with cadmium is used for connectors
because it prevents rusting.

Sources:
Kaur, Kalwinder. “What Materials are Used to Make Parachutes?” AZoM.com, 1 Aug. 2017,
www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=10429. Accessed 25 Sept. 2017.

“What Parachutes Are Made Of.” Parachute, www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/link-suggestion/wpcd_2008

09_augmented/wp/p/Parachute.htm. Accessed 25 Sept. 2017.

Meyer, AEROSOFTWARE Jan. “Historical Review.” Historical Review - ParachuteHistory.Com,

www.parachutehistory.com/eng/drs.html. Accessed 25 Sept. 2017.

Dunbar, Brian. “A Canopy of Confidence: Orion's Parachutes.” NASA, NASA, 12 Apr. 2015,
www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/mpcv/canopy_of_confidence.html. Accessed 25 Sept. 2017.

Source, Science. “Da Vinci Parachute, 1485 by Science Source.” Fine Art America,
fineartamerica.com/featured/2-da-vinci-parachute-1485-science-source.html. Accessed 2 Oct.
2017.