NOLTh 72-146

A TECHNIQUE FOR THE CALCULATION OF THE

OPENING-SHOCK FORCES FOR SEVERAL TYPES
OF SOLID CLOTH PARACHUTES

By
William P. Ludtke

20 JUNE 19/2 i D- D C

NAVAL ORDNANCE LABORATORY, WHITE OAK, SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND

NATION'AL TECHNICAL

INFORMA tION SERVICE

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Naval Ord-a."ce Laboratory b UNCLASSIFIED

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3, REPORT TITLE

A TECHNIQUE FOR THE CALCULATION OF THE OPENING-SHOCK FORCES FOR

SEVERAL TYPES OF SOLID CLOTH PARACHUTES
4. OCSCRIPTIVE NOTES (y.)e Of eepott and inclusive dates)

S. AU THORIS) (Firtit name, middle initial,last name)

William P. Ludtke
B. REPORT DATE 70. TOTAL NO. OF PAGES j7b. NO. OF REFS

200 June 1972 71J 7

10. CONTRACT CPR GRANT NO. 9a. ORIGINATOR'S REPORT NUMOER(S)

b. PROJECT NO. NOLTR 72-146

C. 9b. OTHER REPORT NOTS1 (Any other numbers Ihot may be a*8l1ted
thie report)
d.
10. OISTRISU'ION STATEMENT

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

II. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 112. SPONSORING MILITARY ACTIVITY

13. ASSTRACT

"'In 1965, the Naval Ordnance Laboratory was engaged in a project

which required the deployment of a 35-foot-diameter extended-skirt
parachute (type T-10) as the second stage of a retardation system at
an altitude of 100,000 feet. At that time, theie were no avcilable
data on the T-!O parachute deployed under similar circumstances.
This new parachute opening-shock calculation technique was generated
as a solution to this dilemma.
A drag area ratio-time ratio signature derived from infinite mass
wind-tunnel parachute deployments is combined with Newton's second
law of motion to develop Instantaneous velocity ratios and shock
factors during the deployment process. Methods of computing the
reference time (tb) and the inflation time (tf) are presented. New
concepts of the parachute canopy volume, canopy cloth permeability,
parachute initial size at lirvý stretch, and material elasticity
are included.
Since the inception of this program, some of the assumptions used
in its development have been demonstrated by other experimenters.
Other assumptions have not yet been verified. However, the perform-
ance predicted by this technique has been in agreement with field
tesgt results.
DD FORM 1 4
S/DO..0.6014 7 3 (PAGE I)
.8o7 .6
s/N o0o0 •o
0 .Security SUNCLASftIED
Classificaton
 UNCLASSIFIED
Security Classification

14 KEY WORDS LINK A LINK S LINK c

ROLE WT jROLE WT ROLE WT

Solid cloth parachutes

Opening-shock force
Altitude effects
Scale factor
Cloth permeability
Material elasticity

_ __ ___ __ in m in m

D D F7 (BACK) UNCLASSIFIED
(PAGE 2) Security Classification
 NOLTR 72-146

* A TECHNIQUE FOR THE CALCULATION OF THE OPENING-SHOCX FORCES FOR

SEVERAL TYPES OF SOLID CLOTH PARACHUTES

Prepared by:
William P. Ludtke

ABSTRACT: In 1965, the Naval Ordnance Laboratory wc.s engaged in a

project which required the deployment of a 35-foot-o,)ameter extended-
skirt parachute (type T-1O) as the second stage of a retardation
system at an altitude of 100,000 feet. At that tmw•.,, there were
no available data on the T-lO parachute deployed under similar
circumstances. This new parachute opening-shock calculation tech-
nique was generated as a solution to this dilemma.

A drag area ratio-time ratio signature derived fronm infinite mass

wind-tunnel parachute deployments is combined wich Newton's second
law of motion to develop instantaneous velocity ratios and shock
factors during the deployment process. Methods cf computing the
reference time (to) and the inflation time (tf) are presented. New
concepts of the parachute canopy volume, canopy cloth permeability,
parachute initial size at line stretch, and material elasticity
are included.

Since the inception of this program, some of the assumptions used

in its development have been demonstrated by other experimenters.
Other assumptions have not yet been verified. However, the perform-
ance predicted by this technique has been in agreement with field
test results.

NAVAL ORDNANCE LABORATORY

SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND
NOLTR 72-146 20 June 1972
A TECHNIQUE FR THE CALCb-LATION OF THE OPENING-SHOCK FORCES FOR
SEVERAL TYPES OF SOLID CLOTH PARACHUTES

The investigation of this report is related to the calculation of

the opening-shock forces of solid cloth parachutes.

ROBERT WILLIAMSON II
Captain, USN
Commander

az. 6. -+
A. E. SEIGEL
By dLrection
 CONTENTS

Page
INTRODUCTION . . ... . . . . . .. . . . . .. . . 1
DEVELOPMENT OF VELOCITY RATIO AND FORCE RATIO EQUATIONS
DURING THE UNFOLDING PHASE OF PARACHUTE DEPLOYMENT ..... 2

MAXIMUM SHOCK FORCE AND TIME OF OCCURRENCE DURING THE

UNFOLDING PHASE . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . * . . . 13
METHODS FOR CALCULATION OF THE REFERENCE TIME (to) . . . . . . 14

CORRECTION OF t 0 FOR INITIAL AREA EFFECTS . . . . . . . . . . 23

OPENING-SHOCK FORCE, VELOCITY RATIO, AND INFLATION TIME

DURING THE ELASTIC PHASE OF PARACHUTE INFLATION . . . . . . 26
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . 38

APPENDIX A . . . 0. .. . . .
#.. . . .. . . . . . . . A-1

APPEN*DIX B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . o o.. .. . . B-1

ILLUSTRATIONS

Figure Title Page

1 Typical Infinite Mass Force-Time History of a

Solid Cloth Parachute in a Wind Tunnel . . . o 3
2 Typical Force-Time Curve for a Solid Flat Parachute
under Infinite Mass Conditions .. . . . . 5
3 Typical Force-Time Curve for a 1o% Extended.-Skirt
Parachute under Infinite Mass Conditions . . . . . . 5
4 Typical Force-Time Signature for the Elliptical
Parachute under Infinite Mass Conditions . . . 0. 6
5 Typical Force-Time Signature for the Ring Slot
Parachute 20% Geometric Porosity under Infinite
Mass Conditions . . . . . . o. . . 6
6 Typical Force-Time Curve for a Personnel Guide
Surface Parachute under Infinite Mass Conditions . . 7
Drag Area Ratio vs Time Ratio . . ...... . . 8
Opening Force of a Solid Flat Primary Parachute . . 10
9 Repeatability of the Solid, Flat, Primary Parachute
Drag Area under Constant Test Conditions . . . . . . 11
10 Visualization of the Mass Ratio Concept . . . . . . 12

titi
 NOLTR 72-146

ILLUSTRATICNS (continued)
Figure T itle Page
11 Effect of Initial Area and Mass Ratio on the Shock
Factor and Velocity Ratio during the Unfolding Phase
for n = 0 . . ... . . . .. ....... ....... 15
12 Effect of Initial Area and Mass Ratio on the Shock
Factor and Velocity Ratio" during the Unfolding Phase
for = 0.2..o................... - ;... ........ 16
1.3 Effect of Initial Area and Wass Ratio on the Shock
Factor and Velocity Ratio during the Unfolding Phase
for n = 0 ......................... . . .
14 Partially Inflated Parachute Canopy. . .•.... 14••
15 Effect of Altitude on the Unfolding Time "to" at
Constant Velocity 'af Constant Dynamic- Pressure for
n = 1/2 • i . . . . . . . . .. . .. ; 4. ... . . . . . .. . 21
16 Effect of Altitude on the Unfolding Distance at
Constant
n = -i/2 . Velocity
. . . . and
. . Constant
. . .. ' . -Dynamic Pressure
-. - '.... .1'* .46 . . for
. .. . . 22
17 Effect of Altitude on the Unfolding Time 11t,0 11at
Constant Velocity and Constant Dynamic Pressurýe for
n = 0.632•46 .. .......... .......... .
18 Effect -of Altitude on the -Unfoldihg Distance at
Constant Veloci.ty and Constant Dynamic Pressure for
n = 0.63246 .......... .. *.. . . . . . .** . 2.5
19 Variations of Steady.State Drag "Fs" ",nd Maximu m,
Opening Shock with Altitude for Constant Veloc'Ity
and Constant Dynamic Pressure .......... ....... .. 27
20 Maximu, Drag Area Ratio vs Intial Elongation . .. 32
21 Effect of Parachute Constructed Strength, on the Maximum
Shock Factor at Constant Deployment Conditions .... 37
A-1 Nominal Porosity of Parachute Material vs Differential
Pressure ....... ........................ A-2
A-2 Comparison of Measured. and Calculated Permeability
for Relatively Permeable and Impermeable Cloths .... A-3
A-3 Effect of Pressure Coefficient and Altitude On the
Unfold tng Time . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . A-5
A-4 The Effective Porosity of Parachute Materials vs
Differential Pressure ................. A-6
A-5 Effect of Altitude on Mass Flow Ratio at Constant
Veloctty . . . . . . . . . ....... . .. .... . A-
A-6 E-Pect of Alti tude on Mass Flow Ratio at Constant
Dynamic Pressure . . . . . . .. ... . . . . . .. . . . A..8
A-7 Effect of Veloclty on Mass Flow Ratio at Constant
Density . . . ......... ! . . . . . . . . A-9
A-8 Location of Data Points for Determination of "k" and
.... ........
...................... . ... ............. A-O
A-9 Effect of Canopy Cloth Constants- "k" and "n" on the
Unfolding Time of a 3Y-Foot.Dittmeter 10% Extended-
Skirt Parachute for V. = 200 feet per second . ... A-2
B-1 Airflow Patterns Showinrg Al.r Volwmnt Ahead of Canopy
Hem .-.. .. ................... .2
 NOLTR72-146

ILLUSTRATIONS (continued)
Figure Title Page
B-2 Parachute Cross-Section Ncnmenclature . . ........ B-3

TABLES
Table Title Page
I Summary of Parachute Shape Test Results for 12-Gore
and 16-Gore Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
II Summary of Parachute Shape Test Results for' 24-Gore
and 30-Gore Configurations . . . . . B-5

v
 INOLTR 72-146

LIST OF SYMBOLS

ft 2
AcCSteady-state projected area of the inflated parachute,
2
AM Instantaneous canopy mouth area, ft
2
ft
AMo Steady-state inflated mouth area,

a Acceleration, ft/sec 2

ra Maximum inflated parachute diameter of gore mainseaam, ft

b Minor axis of the ellipse bounded by the majoraxis (ra)
and the vent of the canopy, ft
bf Minor axis of the ellipse which includes the skirt hem of
the canopy, ft

C Effective porosity
CD Parachute coefficient of drag

Cp Parachute pressure coefficient, relates internal and

external pressure (AP) on canopy surface to the dynamic
pressure of the free stream
F Instantaneous force, lbs,
Fs Steady-state drag force that-would be produced by a fully
open parachute at velocity Vs, lbs
Fc Constructed strength of the- parachute, lbs

Fmax Maximum opening-shock force, lbs

g Gravitational acceleration, ft/sec2

k Permeability constant of canopy cloth

m Mass, slugs

vi
 NOLTR 72-146

LIST OF SYMBOLS (continued)

M Mass ratio - ratio of the mass of the retarded hardware

(including parachute) to a mass of atmosphere contained
in a right circular cylinder of length (Vs t o ), face area
(CDSo)ý and density (p-)

MI Mass flow ratio - ratio of atmosphere flowing, through a unit

cloth are&--to the atmosphere flowing through a unit inlet
area at arbitrary pressure

n Permeability-constant of canopy cloth

P Cloth permeability - rate of airfl6w through a cloth at

an arbitrary differential pressure, ft3/ft• sec
2
q Dynamic pressure, lb/ft
ft 2
S Instantaneous inflated canopy surfa~ce area,
2
S0 Canopy surface area, ft

t instantaneous time, sec

to Reference time when the •parachute has reached the design

drag area for the first time, sec
tf Canopy inflation time when the inflated canopy has reached
its maximum physical size, sec
u Air velocity through cloth-in effective porosity, ft/sec

v Fictitious theoretical velocity used in effective porosity,

ft/sec

V Instantaneous system velocity, ft/sec

Vo System velocity at the time t to., ft/sec

Vs System velocity at the end of suspension line stretch, ft/sec

V
-o Volume Pir which must be collected during the inflation
process,of ft3

W Hardware weight, lb
xi Instantaneous shock factor

vii
 SNOtTR 72-1-4

LIST OF SYMBOLS (continued)

X1 Shock factor at the time t = to

P Air ýdensity, slugs/ft 3

I Ratio of parachute projected mouth area 4t line stretch to

the steady-state projected area
(c Instantaneous elongation

•max Maximum elongation

Co Initial elongation at the beginning of the elastic phase

of inflation

S.F. Parachute safety factor = Fc/F

cimax

viii
 NOLTR 72-146

INTRODUCTION

In 1965, the Naval Ordnance Laboratory was engaged in a project

which atilized a 35-foot-diameter, 10-percent extended-skirt
parachute (type T!.0) as the second :stage of a retardation system
for a.'250-pound payload. Deployment, of the T-1o Parachute was to
be accomplished at an altitude of100,000 feet. In this rarefied
atmosphere, the problem was to deterniine the second stage deployment
velocity for successful operation. A search of available field
test information indi6ated a lack of data on the solid cloth para-
chutes at altitudes above 30,000 feet. Also, applying the then
existing methods of calculation, the inflation tihe and opening-
shock force to the 100,000-foot altitude situation were questionable.

Utilizing existing wind-tunnel data, low-altitude field test

data, and reasonable assumptions, a unique engineering approach to
the inflation time and opening-shock problem was evolved that
provided satisfactory results. Basically, the method combines a
drag area ratio signature as a function of de2loyment time with
Newton's second law of motion to analyze the velocity and force
profiles during deployment. The parachute deployment sequence is
divided into two phases. The first phase is considered to be ine-
lastic as the parachute inflates initially to its steady-state size
for the first time. At this point, it is considered that the
elasticity of the parachute materials enterzthe problem and resists
the applied forces until the canopy has reached full inflation.

In this system of analysis, the time (to)' at which the parachute

first achieves its steady-state size is used as the calculation
reference time, rather than the more conventional inflation time (tf).
The reference time (to) is the time required to collect the inflated
steady-state volume of air associated with a canopy of elliptical
profile with consideration for the mass flow bq.lance into the
inflating canopy mouth and the mass outflow through the iihflated
portion of the cloth surface area.

The equations developed in this analysis are in agreement with

the observed performance of solid, cloth parachutes in the field,
guch as; the decrease of inflation time as altitude increases, effects
of altitude on opening-shock force, finite and infinite mass,
inflation distance, etc.

• I
 NOLTR 72-146

OF VELOCITY SDEVELdPMEhIT
RATIO AND FORCE RATIO EQUATIONS DURING
THE UNFOLDING PHASE OF PA-ACHTJTE DEPLOYMENT

The necessity fbr a quick answer to the high altitude inflation

time and opefling-,shock problem dictated a Sir~ple engineering-.apprbach.
It ,was considered that the parachute deployment would take place in
a horizontal attitude in accordance with Neý,ton's second law of'
motion.

ZF = ma

. IpV 2 CDS •-dV

2 g dt

JCDSdt =
-2W
-•
fV
J dV V

V (1)

Multiplying the right-hand side. of equation (1) by

1r, t CS
'= 0 0~
V t 0C DS0

and rearranging

lt CDS dt = Vs dV (2)
ti CSpgVtoCDSo V2
Vs So

In order to integrate the left-hand term of equation (2), the

drag area ratio must be defined for the type of parachute under
* anai..4s as a function of deployment reference time (t 0 ).

2
 NOLTR' 72-146

'UNFOLDING. PHASE ELASTIC PHASE

F/FýS
1.0

F AX. Fs

F
0 t to, tf

TIME RATIO t/to

FIG. 1 TYPICAL INFINITE MASS FORCE-TIME HISTORY OF A SOLID CLOTH

PARACHUTE IN A WIND TUNNEL

Figure 1 illustrates a typical force-time history of a solid cloth

parachute deployed in a wind tunnel under infinite mass conditions.
The depicted segment of the opening-shock signature is that portion
which occurs after the snatch force. A parachute is defined to be
fully i-iflated when the maximum physical size has been attained.
The time at which this occurs is tne inflation time (tf). In the
infinite mass wind-tunnel case, the maximum physical size and shock
force occur at the same time, since the air density and the velocity
are constant during deployment. In the finite mass case, the maximum
physical size and the maximum opening shock do not necessarily occur
at the same time. Since the maximum physical parachute size is
dependent upon the applied load, structural strength, and elasticity
of4the parachute materials, a reference open'utip time (t,) which can
be considered to be independent of the appl,.',d loads is desirable.
The inflation process was divided into two st:pn'•ate phases. The
first phase is called the unfolding phase where the canopy is under-
going changes of shape during inflation. This phasE progresses to
reference time (to). At reference time (to), the canopy is
considered to have attained its fully inflated steady-state shape
for the first time. Additional inflation of the parachute in the
elastic phase is considered to be caused by elongation of the canopy

3
 •l•• ..' ."• • • ... • - • •. - .. • • • • . - . • . . .....- - - .'•,• -. - *' ,

NOLTR 72-146

materials under the applied loads. For purposes of curve fitting,

the rpference tlime (to) w•,s established on the infinite mass wind-
tunnel force-time signatur-e as the first point where the instan-
taneous force was equal to the steady-state drag (Fs).

At any instant during the unfolding phase, the ratio of

instantaneous force (F) to the steady-state drag (F6) can be
determined as a function of the time ratio (t/to).

F - _pV'CD S
2

1 2
s2 s Do0

Since the velocity and density are constant during infinite mass
deployment

V = Vs

and
F = CDS
Fs CDSo

Infinite mass opening-shock signatures of several types of parachutes

are presented in Figures 2 through 6. Analysis of these signatures
using the force'ratio (F/Fs) - time ratio (t/to) technique indicated
a similarity in the performance of the various solid cloth types of
parachutes which were examined. The geometrically porous ring slot
parachute displayed a completely different signature as was expected.
These data are illastrated in Figure 7. If an initial boundary
condition of CDS/CDSo = 0 at time t/to = 0 is assumed, then, the
data can be approximated by fitting a curve of the form

CDS It 6
CiSo (3)

From a practical point of view, all parachutes have some drag area
when line stretch is reached. The value of the drag area at t/to = 0
is a variable, depending on the type of deployment that is used and
the reproducibility of a given deployment system. Taking this
additional variable into account, a more generalized drag area ratio
expression was determined

4
 NOLTR -72-14-6

oc

o;
m
w;
D

D 00
C14
ca

-0 04 L
0 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

0. C) z
10

U.c L
'o

a:~ 0 >-

o0 100 u

0 Vj
tLUL

__ Z~ 0
C1

0 u

0o - U*z-
C.a

0Z

04

0l

00C4 0
oC
* 0

05
 j
NOLTR 72-146
I II

F(Ib)

I II

(1.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.12 0.14 0.16

tIME (sec)

FIG. 4 TYPICAL FORCE-TIME SIGNATURE FOR THE ELLIPTICAL PARACHUTE

UNDER INFINITE MASS CONDITIONS

F(Ib)

0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08

TIME (sec)

FIG. 5 TYPICAL FORCE-TIME SIGNATURE FOR THE RING SLOT PARACHUTE

20 % GEOMETRIC POROSITY UNDER INFINITE MASS CONDITIONS

6
rig",--

NOLTR 72-146

C; LU
z
U-

0
C.,.
0

co~

CN
0<
uia
z <U

0l

CL
0 <:
o oL

dd9

ILu

7ec
I0
 NOLTR 72-146

2.2___ _

2.0 __

i1.80

Eq. 4, il=0

1.6
-- Eq. 4, rj=0.2
0 PERSONNEL GUIDE SURFACE
/
o RING SLOT CANOPY

1.4 A ELLIPITICAL CANOPY

O SOLID FLAT CANOPY

0 X 10% EXTENDED SKIRT
1,2
-

t 1.0

'N0

0.8 -4

•0.6
x
0
U-C

0. 4 0 _ A_
,__ _ _

0.2 ,

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4

t/to

FIG. 7 DRAG AREA RATIO vs TIME RATIO

8
 DOLTR 72-146

-- +(4)
CDS 0
CDSo \lfl)

where 'n is the ratioofthe projected mouth area at line stretch to

the steady-state projected frontal area. Expanding equation (4)

( t= n (5)

At the time that equation (5) was ascertained, it suggested that the
geometry of the deploying parachute was independent of density and
velocity. It was also postulated that although this expression had
been determined for the infinite mass condition that it would also
be true for the finite mass case. This phenomenon has since ieen
independently observed and confirmed by Berndt and De Weese in-
reference (2).

Parachute deployments presented in the force ratio (F/Fs) - time

ratio (t/to) frame of reference show a repeatability of drag area
development not evident in conventional representation. Figure 8
is reproduced from reference (3) and is a composite force-time diagram
for a number of tests of the same solid flat parachute under constant
test conditions. The three runs indicated are replotted in Figure 9
as ratios of F/Fs versus t/to. When viewed in this manner, the
percentage of drag area developed for a given percentage of unfolding
time is repeatable and conforms with equation (5).

Equation (2) did not include apparent mass or the included mass
of the inflating canopy. It was assumed that the effects of these
quantities on the deployment characteristics of the parachute are
intluded in the drag area ratio formulation, since it was derived
fr6r, actual deployment signatures.

The right-hand term of equation (2) contains the expression

2W = M (6)
PgVstoCDS0

This term can be visualized as shown in Figure 10 to be a ratio of

the retarded mass (including the parachute) to an associated mass of
atmosphere contained in a right circular cylinder which is generated
by moving an inflated parachute of area CDSo for a distance equal to
the product of Vsto in an atmosphere of density (s).

9
 NOL-TR 72'-146'

if) -
C;C

C' 0ii

U, U'

Lu

IL.

100
 INOLTR 72-146

. 2I
2.2 -

2.0 _ _ _ -.

0
1.8
x
1.6

1.2.
"'o X RUN 3
0 6
(t/to

U.
1-1
U.

0.8

0.6

0.4

11I

0.2

0
0
L _ _ _
0.2 0.4 _ _ _
0.6 _ _ _
0.8 1.0 _ _ _ 1.2 1.4

FIG. 9 REPEATABIL.ITY OF THE SOLID, FLAT, PRIMARY PARACHUTE DRAG AREA UNDER
CONSTANT TEST CONDITIONS
 NOLTR 72-146

CYLINDER
ji "
VOLUME 0ENSIfY='

FACE AREA--A-
CDSO

W/9

FIG. 10 VISUALIZATION OF THE MASS RATIO CONCEPT

It has been previously shown that the deployment geometry is

independent of altitude and velocity. It is now demonstrated that
the mass ratio (M) is the scale factor which controls the velocity
and force profiles during parachute deployment.
Substituting M and CDS/CDSo into equation (2)

t ( 2( 6vs' dV
-'n ( o + r,2 ] d t - ,,•,MV s v V--
t o [(i -•2 6 + 2 n- ( 1
-,o
to' +2(~f)t)+tJtM sj V2

Integrating and solving for V/Vs

v_ + 1- -) (7)

The .nstantaneous shook factor is defined as

-F - ~ Ds

12
 NOLTR z2-146

If the altitude variation during deployment i.s small, then, the

density may be considered as constant

2
x = CDSo

from equations (5) and (7)

(1 - )2) 2i= (to) +72n (1 - n) (2) o1 to 2

+ .' (-• )1 () t )4 + n22
I+ 7 t02 0t0

(8)

MAXIMUM SHOCK FORCE AND TIME OF OCCURRENCE DURING

THE UNFOLDING PHASE

The time of occurrence of the maximum instantaneous shock

factor (xi) is difficult to determine for the general case. However,
for il =- 0, the maximum shock factor and time of occurrence is
readily calculated. For -= 0
6

[ +1 (o)7]2

I7M

Setting the derivative of xi with respect to time equal to zero and

solving for t/to at xi max

0 1max-

13
 NOLTR 72-146

co %0 -1 0 1

10

00

I-n
a L

0-

I-0

0o 0
% V 04 Ifl 04 (N

0 0 0

.0 ;C 04C
 NOLTR 72-146

N 0 .0 . .

0ý 00000

00

ce-

zz

CCD
 NOLTR 72-146

'.11

I0

10

Ne 0 0
____ 4-

- 0 0 oC0040 0L 0

O~~~C ,o AID(DS/
16

L.
- -- -- - -- _ _ _ _ _ _ __0
 NOLTR 72-146

and the maximum shock factor is

-7
x maxi
a4/ 49 (1 (10)

4
Equations (9) and (10) are valid for values of' M 2
-- , since for
larger values of M, the maximum shock forde occurs in the elastic
phase 6f inflation.
Figures 11, 12, and. 13 illustrate the velocity and force profiles
generated from equations (7) and (8) for initial projected area
ratios of q = 0, 0.2, and 0.4, with various mass rati.os.

METHODS FOR CALCUL.TIOH OF THE REFERENCE TIME (to)

Although the ratio concept is an ideal method to analyze the
effects of the various parameters such as initial area, mass ratio,
launching conditions on the velocity, and force profiles of the open-
ing parachute, a means of calculating the reference time (t ) is
required before specific values can be computed. In order ?o calcu-
late to, it is necessary to develop methods for computing the varying
mass flow into the inflating canopy mouth and the varying mass flow
out through the inflated canopy surface area., It is also necessary
to define the volume of air (1o) which mast be collected during the
inflation process.

B-

FLOW

FIG. 14 PARTIALLY INFLATED PARACHUTE CANOPY

17
 NOLTR• 72-146

Figure 14 represents a solid cloth-type parachute canopy at

some instance during inflation. At any given instance, the parachute
drag area is proportional to the maximum inflated diameter. Also,
the maximum diameter in conjunction with the suspension lines
ýdetermines the infloe mouth area (A-A) and the pressurized canopy
area (B-B-B). This observation provided the basis for the following
assumptions.
a. The ratio of the instantaneous mouth inlet area to the
steady-state, fully inflated mouth area is in the same ratio as the
instantaneous dragc area.
AM CDs
A~o CDSo

b. The ratio of the instantaneous pressurized cloth surface

area to the canopy surface area is in the same ratio as the
instantaneous drag area.

S CDS
'
So CDSo

c. Since the suspension lines in the unpressurized area of

the canopy are straight, a pressure differential has not developed,
and, therefore, the net airflow in this zone is zero.

Based on the foregoing assumptions, the mass flow equation can

be written

dm = m inflow - m outflow

P-dy. PVAMo CDS - PAsO - CDS P (11)

dt CDSo CDso

From equation (3)

CDS 6
18 for 0

18
 NOLTlR 72-146

From equation (7)

V
V s for - 0

7M

From equation (A-2)

P = k V2n
2~

Appendix A describes how the permeability of cloth (P) is applied to

the canopy inflation problem. Appendix B describes the method for
determining the volume of air (Vo) associated with the steady-state
inflated canopy.

Calculation of the reference time is simplified by eliminating

the effect of initial area and calculating to for a parachute
inflating from zero drag area. A correction for the time lapse
required to theoretically inflate the parachute from zero to the
initial drag area of the particular problem can be determined from
the drag area ratio-time relationship. Substituting into equation (11)

V t

dV =AMoVs dt - Asok Cp

o( + SoMT
oo 7M

to7 ý,0
1 19

19
 NOLTR 72-146

Measured values of the cloth permeability parameter (n) indicate

a data range from 0.57403 through 0.63246. A convenient solution to
the reference time equation evolves when n is assigned a value of
1/2. Integrating equation (12) and using

VstoM = 2W

CDS 1/2

' to 14W ASok

-AM C /2

t= e A - 1 (13)

Equation (13)expresses the unfolding reference time (to) in terms

of mass, altitude, snatch velocity, airflow characteristics of the
cloth and the steady-state pirachute geometry. Note that the term
gpVo/W is the ratio of the included air mass to the mass of the
r6Efarded hardware. Multiplying both sides of equation (13)by Vs
demonstrates that

V st0 a constant which is a function of altitude

The effect of altitude on the unfolding reference time (to),of a

T-10 type parachute, based on equation (13), at constant velocity
and constant dynamic pressure is to decrease as the altitude rises,
Figure 15. In the rarefied atmosphere at altitudes above 75.000
feet, the reference time tends to become constant. The unfolding
distance, Figure 16, is the same for both modes of operation.

An unknown factor in this study is the magnitude and the

variation of the pressure coefficient on an actual canopy during
deployment. A pressure coefficient of 1.15 has been assumed.

Integration of equation (12) for a realistic value of n yields

a more accurate value of to in the lower altitude region o" deployment.
In the higher altitude region where the canopy cloth is relatively
imporous, the values of to obtained from equations (l') arid (14) are
nearly equal. The opening-shock force is strongly influenced by the
inflation time. Because of this, the value of to determined by
equation (14) should be used. However, since the reference time (to)

S20
 NOLTR 72-146

100

90 n = 1/2; C 1.15

CLOTH MIL-C-7020; TYPE III

35 FOOT; 10% EXTENDED SKIRT CANOPY
80

70

I.-
u.,
ulj
"
U..
60
0

z EQUATION (13)
u•50-
0
x- .CONSTANT VELOCITY, 400 F. P. S.

1;0 CONSTANT DYNAMIC PRESSURE

q =190 LB/FT

30-

20-

10-

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2

UNFOLDING TIME (SEC.)

tO

FIG. 15 EFFECT OF ALTITUDE ON THE UNFOLDING TIME

"$to AT CONSTANT VELOCITY AND CONSTANT
DYNAMIC PRESSURE FOR n 1/2

21
 NOLTR 72-146

100

"n 1/2;-Cp -1.15

90 CLOTH MIL-C-7020; TYPE1IiI

35 FOOT; 10% EXTENDED SKIRT CANOPY

80-

70

.Lu
U.
u. 60-

z
S50-
0
EQUATION (13)
,Lu

D 40-
CONSTANT VELOCITY = 400 F. P. S.

30 CONSTANT DYNAMIC PRESSURE

q = 190 LB/FT

20-

10-

0 100 200 300

UNFOLDING DISTANCE (FEET)
Vsto

FIG. 16 EFFECT OF ALTITUDE ON THE UNFOLDING DISTANCE

AT CONSTANT VELOCITY AND CONSTANT DYNAMIC
PRESSURE FOR n 1/2

22
 NOLTR 72-146
determined from equation (13) is always less than the to calculated
from equation (14), it can therefore be used to estimate values
for use in equation (14). (See Figures 17 and 18.)

J. n
AMOVsto M ln 1+

t0

(t)o +- v dt (14)
0 7M \tol

CORRECTION OF to FOR INITIAL AREA EFFECTS

The unfolding reference time (to) calculated by the previous

methods assumes that the parachute inflates from zero drag area.
In reality, a parachute has a drag area at the beginning of inflation.
Once to has been calculated, a correction can be applied,based upon
what is known about the initial conditions.

Case A - When the initial projected area is known

A
Ac (tol

t (AiI ~ot
/37 calculated

to corrected [1 (A) to calculated (15)

23
 NOLTR 72-146

100

n = 0. 63246; Cp= 1. 15

90 CLOTH MIL-C-7020, ,TYPEIII

35 FOOT; 10% EXTENDED SKIRT CANOPY

80 -'

70

u- 66

U.
0

z
< 50-
0

40-
Q EQUATION (14)

CONSTANT VELOCITY = 400 F. P.S.

30- CONSTANT DY"'AMIC PRESSURE
q=190 LB/FT 2

-20-

10-

II I - I - I
0 0.' 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2
UNFOLDING TIME (SEC)
t
0

FIG. 17 EFFECT OF ALTITUDE ON THE UNFOLDING TIME "to" AT

CONSTANT VELOCITY AND CONSTANT DYNAMIC PRESSURE
FOR n = 0.63246

24
 NOLTR 72-146

100

n =0. 63246; C - 1.15

90 CLOTH MIL-C-7020, TYPE III
35 FOOT; 10% EXTENDED SKIRT CANOPY

80

70

I-

u' 60-
0
U,
z
0 S50- EQUATION (14)
"I-

_40 CONSTANT VELOCITY = 400 F. P. S.

.--

CONSTANT DYNAMIC PRESSURE

2
q =190 LB/FT
30

20-

10-

0 100 200 300

UNFOLDING DISTANCE (FEET)
vsto

FIG. 18 EFFECT OF ALTITUDE ON THE UNFOLDING DISTANCE AT

CONSTANT VELOCITY AND CONSTANT DYNAMIC PRESSURE
FOR n =0.63246

25
 NOL~t 7~2-146

where Ac is the projected area of the fully inflated (;anopy based

on the maximum inflated diameter.
Case B - When the initial drag area is known

,%o

CDSi 1/6

CD = to calculated
\CDo

to corrected [1 -_ D] to calculated (16)

The mass ratio should now be adjusted for the corrected to before
velocity and force profiles are determined.

As an example of this method of opening-shock analysis, let us

examine the effect of altitude on the opening-shock force of a T-10
type parachute retarding a 200-pound weight from a snatch velocity
of Vs = 400 feet per seconrd at sea level. Conditions of constant
velocity and constant dynamic pressure are investigated. The results
are presented in Figure (19). At low altitudes, the opening-shock
force is less than the steady-state drag force; however, as altitude
rises, the opening shock eventually exceeds the steady-state drag
force at some altitude. This trend is in agreement with field
test observations.

OPENING-SHOCK FORCE, VELOCITY RATIO, AND INFLATION TIME DURING

THE ELASTIC PHASE OF PARACHUTE INFLATION

The mass ratio (M) is an important parameter in parachute

analysis. For values of M«<<4/21, the maximum opening-shock force
occurs early in the inflation process, and the elastic properties of
the canopy are not significant. As the mass ratio approaches M=4/21,
the magnitude of the opening-shock force increases, and the time of
occurrence happens later in the deployment sequence. For mass
ratios M >4/21, the maximum shock force will occur after the reference
time (to). Parachutes designed for high mass ratio operation must
provide a structure of sufficient constructed strength (Fc) so that

26
 NOLTR 72-146

I
100-
FMAX

Lu
uI
"80
"O -
'm 60-)
•' 40 / I
S- CONSTANT
40I DYNAMIC
PRESSURE
-I "-" CONSTANT
- 20 / I VELOCITY
F I

0
100 200
FORCE (THOUSANDS OF POUNDS)

FIG. 19 VARIATION OF STEADY-STATE DRAG, FsAND MAXIMUM OPENING

SHOCK WITH ALTITUDE FOR CONSTANT VELOCITY AND CONSTANT
DYNAMIC PRESSURE

27
 NOLTR 72-146

the actual elongation of the canopy under load is less than the
maximum extensibility (emax) of the materiLals.

Development of the analysis in the elastic phase of inflation

is similar to the technique used in the unfolding phase. Newtonts
second law of motion is used, together with the drag area ratio
signature,

CDý _to

which is still valid as shown in Figures 7 and 9,and mass ratio.

t V
14dt= -2
Mt V
0V 0
0oV

Integrating and solving for V

Vs

V 1 (17)

vo 7M (

Vo
where - is the velocity ratio of the unfolding process at time
Vs

t = to, equation(7).

V0 - 1 (18)
1 +- 1 - j(1 - +)
+1
M H7 2

28
 NOLTR 72-146

For convenience, let K-

Vs

The instantaneous shock factor in the 'elastic phase becomes

x (Tto-(19)

[K 7M [()0 ]

The end point of the inflation process depends upon the applied
loads, elasticity of'the canopy, and the constructed strength of the
parachute. A linear' load elongation relationship is utilized to
determine the maximum drag area.
e -max

F Fc

F Cmax (20)
Fc

The force (F) is initially the instantaneous force at the end of the
unfolding process

F,= XOF (21)

wnere X is the shock factor of the unfolding phase at t = to

29
I NOLTR 72-146

i 2
: x = +1 n) +2, 1 n + ~21 (22)

2 + 2 2] 2
' 1-
{ -[ '/

S'-ionce the inflated shape is defined, the drag coefficient is

considered to be constant, and the instantaneous force is propor-
tional to the dynamic pressure and projected area. The maximum
projected area would, be developed if the dynamic pressure remained
Vconstantduring the elastic phase. Under very high mass ratios, this
I• is nearly the case over this very brief time period; but as the
S* mass ratio decreases, the velocity decay has a more significant
effect. The simplest approach for all mass ,ratios is to determine
the maximum drag area of the canopy as if elastic inflation had
occurred at constant dynamic pressure. Then utilizing the time
ratio determined as an end point, intermediate shock factors cah be
calculated from equation (19) and the maximum force assessed.

The following technique for determining the maximum drag area

was °0erived from a method first suggested by Mr. J. F. McNelia of
the Naval Ordnance Laboratory (NOL). The initial force (XoFs) causes
the cancpy to increase in projected area. The new projected area in
turn irdcreases the total force on the canopy which produces a.
secondary projected a:'ea ii.crease. The resulting series of events
are resisted by the parachute materials. IC the parachute has
suffio.ient constructed strength, the series converges to a limiting
value. Insufficient construeted streingth results in a series that
diverges, indicating failures. '7ombiniirg equation (20) and (21), let

C -X° s (23)

The next force in the series 2.T. constaOt c,

F1 X0F SA 1
Ac

where
A = (I + Lo)
Ac

I T 1
 NOLTR 72-146

F, =XoFs (1+ C)2 (24)

and the elongation produced by this force

F1 max -
= F emax (1 + ¢0)2 (25)
Fc Fc

C1 = Fc Cmax
maFc + -- em (26)

e1 = eo (1 + co)2 (27)

produces another force

F2 = XoFs (1 + c)2 (28)

arn the next elongation

F2 XoFs 1)2
2 =- max + C
Fc Fc

2 =ax ma
m+ (11+ a(30)

C2 = Co (l + Co (i + co)2)2 (31)

The series is further expanded until a convergent or divergent

character is ascertained. If the series diverges, the constructed
strength (Fc) must be increased and the series recalculated.
31.
 NOLTR 72-146
canopy constructed
An advantage of this system is that the required conditions.
strength can be deternilned for a given set of deployment
the end point time
The limiting value of the series (c,) deteri'ies
ratio.
2
6to S omax.
CD= (1+ s

C 1/6

t (D~ma) (1+ (32)

o0DS 0)

terms eo" This

All convergent series can be expressed in maximum drag area
*f

relationship is shown in Figure 20 wiherein the

ratios are plotted as a funcction of Eo.

2
'~ 0
Ef
u

X,

XO=
• max

0O.1 0.2 0.3

to

FTC•. 20 •AXX11I. DFAG AREA RATTIC vs INITIAL

FLO1UG ATTON

32

".tM Loa
 NCLTR 72-146

The maximum s1' k factor and the time ratio at the time of
occurrence of the maximum shock factor are assessed by means of
equation (19) for various intermediate values between t/to = 1 and
t/to from equation (32) using the particular mass ratio under
investigation. The maximum shock force

Fax =FsXi max (33)

The time of occurrence of the maximum shock force coincides with the
maximum physical size of the parachute and, therefore, is defined
as the inflation time (tf).
Examination of Figure 20 would seem to indicate that low
elongation materials are desirable for parachutes operating under
infinite mass. This is correct insofar as overloading is related
to material elasticity.

The presented formulation, however, has not considered the

inertial forces imposed upon the structure during deployment. While
these forces are not studied in this report, it seems reasonable
that material extensibility reduces the inertia forces in the joints
and seams. In view of these two effects, an optimum material
elongation should exist which maintains low inertia forces and limits
parachute loading from canopy enlargement.
An illustrative problem is presented to demonstrate the effects
of the elasticity of parachute materials and parachute constructed
strength on opening-shock force. Example: A solid cloth parachute
system is operating at a mass ratio of M = 100. The maximum material
elongation (c ax= 0.25) and the ratio of the constructed strength
to steady-stare drag (Fc/Fs = 1.75). Assume i = 0. Find:

a. Ratio of tf/to

b. Maximum shock factor (xi max)

c. Parachute safety factor (Fc/Fmax)

d. Determine the effect of varying the parachute constructed

strength on the maximum shock factor
For mass ratios of M > 4/21, the maximum opening shock occurs in
the elastic phase of inflation.
a. Solution for tf/to, for n = 0

From equation (22)

33
 NOLTR 72-146

1
X02.

Xo 1

0 +~1 -

+ 77 x 1
'

x0 .9803

and from equation (23)

Fs
So '=X-- £ma

€ --
•.9803 x .25
1 . 75

0
o 1o

From Figure 20, the maximum drag area ratio

CDSmax 1
CDo

The maximum limcý ratio (0f/'to)

From equation (32) I/)

0 D0

34
 NOLTR 72-146

tf (1.45)1/6
to

- - 1.o64
to

b. Solution for xi max

The velocity ratio at t = to for n = 0

From equation (18)

Vo
Vo 1
Vs 1 +-_
7M

Vo 1
: Vs i + 1
~7 x MO

Vo
-2 = K .9901
Vs

The maximum shock factor (xi max)

From equation (19)

tf 6

i max 2

357M
to

35
 NOLTR 72-146

S(i. 064)6
i max

[.91 + 7(1)

Xi max = 1.42

The maximum shock force (Fmax),

From equation (33)

Fmax = Xi max FS

c. The parachute safety factor (•S.F.)

-
S.F. =
Fmax

XiFmax 'max Fc Fmax Fc

Fs Fc Fc Fs

Fc Fc
Fmax FsXi max

Fc 1.75
Fmax 1.42

36
 NOLTR 72-146

S.F. = 1.23

d. The effects of varying the parachute constructed strength can

be determined by repeating the previous series of calculations for
various ratios of F /F The results are illustrated in Figure 21.
c s

3.0

Mx 2.0
4._

1.0

_ I I I I
1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
Fc/Fs

FIG. 21 EFFECT OF PARACHUTE CONSTRUCTED STRENGTH ON THE MAXIMUM

SHOCK FACTOR AT CONSTANT DEPLOYMENT CONDITIONS

37
 NOLTR 72-146

REFERENCES

(1) "A Method to Reduce Parachute Inflation Time with a Minor

Increase in Opening Force," WADD Report TR 60.-761
(2) Berndt, R. J., and DeWesse, J. H., 'Filling Time Prediction
Approach for Solid Cloth Type Parachute Canopies," AIAA
Aerodynamic Deceleration Systems Conference, Houston, Texas
7-9 Sep 1966
(3) "Theoretical Parachute Investigations " Progress Report No. 4,
Project No. 5, WADC Contract AF33 (616)-3955, University of
Minnesota
(4) "Performance of and Design Criteria for Deployable Aerodynamic
Decelerators," TR ASK-TR-61-579, AFFDL, AIRFORCESYSCOM. Dec 1963
(5) "Investigation of Stability of Parachutes and Development of
Stable Parachutes from Fabric of Normal Porosity," Count Zeppelin
Research Institute Report No. 300, 23 Mar 1943
(-6) Ludtke, W. P., "A New Approach to the Determination of the
Steady-State Inflated Shape and Included Volume of Several
Parachute Types?," NOLTR 69-159, 11 Sep 1969
(7) Ludtke, W. P., A New Approach to the Determination of the
Steady-State Inflated Shape and Included Volume of Several
Parachute Types in 24-Gore and 30-Gore Configurations,"
NOLTR 70-178, 3 Sep 1970

I38
 NOLTR 72-146

APPENDIX A
APPLICATION OF CLOTH PERMEABILITY TO THE CALCULATION OF
THE INFLATION TIME OF SOLID CLOTH PARACHUTES

The mass outflow through the pressurized region of an inflating-

solid cloth parachute at any instant is dependoent -upon the canopy
area which is subjected to airflow and the rate of airflow through
that area. The variation of pressurized area as a function of
reference time (,to) was earlier assumed to be proportional to the
instantaneous drag area ratio, leaving only the rate of airflow
problem to solve. The permeability parameter of cloth was a natural
choice for determining the rate of airflow through the cloth as a
function of pressure differential across the cloth. Heretofore,
these data have been more of a qualitative, rather than quantitative,
value. A new method of analysis was developed whereirl a generalized
curve of the form P = k(aP)n was fitted to cloth permeability data
for a number of different cloths and gives surprisingly good agree-
ment over the pressure differential range of available data. The
pressure differential was then related to the trajectory conditions
to give a generalized expression which can be used in the finite
mass ratio range, as well as the infinite mass case. "The perme-
ability properties were transformed into a mass flow ratio, M',
which shows agreement with the effective porosity concept.
Measured and calculated permeability-pressure data for several
standard cloths are illustrated in Figure A-1. This method has
been applied to various types of cloth between the extremes of a
highly permeable 3-momme silk to a relatively impervious parachute
pack container cloth with reasonably good results, see Figure A-2.
The canopy pressure coefficient, Cp, is defined as the ratio
of the pressure differential across the cloth to the dynamic
pressure of the free stream.
Cp - AP _ P(internal) - P(external) A-1
q I/2pV2

where V is based on equation (7)

The permeability expression, P = k(aP)n becomes
2 n
P = k(Cp -) A-2

Although some progress has been made by Melzig on the measurement

nf the variation of the pressure coefficient on an actual inflating
canopy, this dimension and its variation with time are still dark
areas at the time of this writing. At the present time, a constant

A-1
 op NOLTR 72-146

3000

2000 -MIL-C-7020, TYPE 111- - - -

- -MIL-C-8021, TYPE I

:. . 8,00 . MIL-C'8021, 'TYPE Ii ... )-

-•u•• •I • • I200 DATA

-- " -- EXPERIMENTAL

0
•9 I0 CALCULATED
0 1o0 I DATA -

-ii ,~oo ..
•~~~ ., z 800-- ... ..- PCj) =87. 6255(A P) 4 - -
- 0. 63246

Z 60- 59.6813( A P)0.57403

0 0492
Po=26.4705( A Pp).6
40

•' 10
0 50 100 150 200 250 300

DIFFERENrIAL PRESSURE (LB/FT 2 )

FIG.A-1 NOMINAL POROSITY OF PARACHUIE MATERIAL
VS DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE
REPRODUCED FROM REFERENCE (4)

A-2
 NOLTR 72-146

6000
3 MOMME SILK CLOTH

5000 -

~4000

>. 3000 P=445.521 (Ap). 612 -

-
•
u.I 2000
a-
II
LL

1000 -

0 10 20 30 40 50
2
AP LB/FT

100 I I
CONTAINER CLOTH
MIL-C-7219, TYPE 11
2 80 1_L__/
---- MEASURED DATA Yle
_. 0 CALCULATED DATA

1 60
I.-

tn
S4P= k(P) 0771591 -
S40-- P=2'.49195(AP) "7

, 20/

0 20 40 60 80 100

AP LB/FT2

FIG. A-2 COMPARISON OF MEASURED AND CALCULATED PERMEABILITY FOR

RELATIVELY PERMEABLE AND IMPERMEABLE CLOTHS
A-3

-,, .- zl Ill(~Y -
 NOLTR 72-146

average value of pressure coefficient is used in these calculations.

Figure A-3 presents the effect of pressure coefficient and altitude
on the unfolding time for constant deployment conditions.

It is well known that the inflation time of solid cloth para-

chutes decreases as the operational altitude increases. This effect
can be explained by considering the ratio of the mass outflow
through a unit cloth area to the mass inflow through a unit mouth
are•,.

M' = mass flow ratio = mass outflow

mass inflow

where

Slugs (per ft2 cloth area)

ft2_sec

and

mass inflow = Vp slugs (per ft2 inflow area)

ft2_sec

Therefore, the mass flow ratio becomes

M MP
- _=
-

vp v n
M= v2n - 1 A-3

Effective porosity (C) is defined as the ratio of the velocity

through the cloth (u) to a fictitious theoretical velocity (v)
which will produce the particular aP = l/2Pv 2 .

effective porosity, C = u A-4

v
Comparison of the mass flow ratio and previously published
effective porosity data is shown in Figure A-4. The effects of
altitude and velocity on the mass flow ratio are presented in
Figures A-5, A-6, and A-7 for constant velocity, constant dynamic
pressure, and constant Ptitude. The decrease of cloth permeability
with altitude is evident.
The permeability constants "k" and "n" can be determined from
the permeability-pressure differential data as obtained from an
instrument such as a Frazier Permeameter. Two data points, A and
B, are selected in such a manner that point "A" is in a low-pressure

A-4
 NOLTR 72-146

AVERAGE CANOPY PRESSURE COEFFICIENT

DURING INFLATION INCLUDING THE VENT

1.2
"n = 1/2 REALISTIC "n"
Eq. (13) Eq. (14)

1.0-

0.8-
Lu

O. 0.6
z-o
U..,I

0.4 -20 K-FT

-5 T50 K - FT
C.2- 100 K - FT
100 K - FT

0Lý 1.0
I Il
2.0 1.0 2.0

FIG.A-3 EFFECT OF PRESSURE COEFFICIENT AND ALTITUDE ON THE

UNFOLDING TIME

A-5
 NOLTR 72-146

0.12

0.10

MIL-C-7020, TYPE III

S0.08

00 EQ. (35) FOR C = 1

o 0.06'
I-l
S0 0
S0.04 MIL-C-8021, TYPE I

0 0 0

0.02 MIL-C-8021, TYPE'II

1 I I I I I
0Q 80 120 160 200 240 280

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE (LB/FT 2 )

FIG.A-4 THE EFFECTIVE POROSITY OF PARACHUTE MATERIALS VS DIFFERENTIAL
PRESSURE
REPRODUCED FROM REFERENCE (4)

A-6
 NOLTR 72-146

100

90

CLOTH, MIL-C-7020, TYPE III

80 k = 1. 46042; n = 0. 63246; C = 1.15
M'= MASS FLOWRATIO= MASS OUTFLOW
MASS INFLOW

70
u,.
Lu.
U.
U.
0 60-

zD

O 50

40--

I0

30

20- \\Z

10-

0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04

MASS FLOW RATIO
M'

FIG.A-5 EFFECT OF ALTITUDE ON MASS FLOW RATIO AT

CONSTANT VELOCITY

A-7
 NOLTR 72-146

90- dLOTH, MIL-C-7020, TYPE III

k = -1.46042; n = 0. 6 3 246; Cp = 1. 15

80 M'= MASS FLOW RATIO MASS OUTFLOW

80- MASS INFLOW

70

Ij
ILU
u-
u, 60-
0
a
Z

0
"!r.
Lu
S 40-

300- 00

20-

10-

00.01 0. 02 0. 03 0.04

MASS FLOW RATIO

M'

FIG. A-6 EFFECT OF ALTITUDE ON MASS FLOW RATIO AT

-) '--r .. . .. .
CONSTANTS DYNA/WC PRESSURE

A-8
 NOLTR 72-146

U LL
.4

(N V)~V)

00

+z

0 z
00

zz
10
0 : 0
- - Uý

0
>.
-0

0 U~.
0>
UI-

'Co 1o

0 W C0

A-9J

LLU
 :IQ-LTR 72-1416

-n,: b~ilow the knuý (A" 1.t(, :urve, and tU-Yifl-t "B" i . )-'atc~d inl tlie
upDO. c-;,rind of the -iigh-pirfau aJ siow!i I ~I gru
-u A

ýFT 3 "
P FT2 _ SEC

APLB2
FT2

FIG.A-8 LOCATION OF DATA POINTS FOR DETERMINATION OF "k" AND "n"

The tw sandard iimaczureinent*:; of 1/2 in ýýi of~ .%,tter and 2 e'

witnr appear to be goc~d data I~~~
f~ botlh air ava-.abl-.
")lw 3a np1~. Subo3t-i tuti nr Vc,.,
fr psit "A" ntadl
P k n

-B-
 NOLTR 72-146

=B A-6
(aPA)n (APB)n

Theoretically, the inflation characteristics of parachutes can

be controlled by designing canopy cloths using predetermined value,
of the permeability constants "k" and "n." Figure A-9 illustrateai
the effects of the permeability constants on a given parachute
system at Various altitudes from sea level through 100,000 feet for
a constant deployment velocity. The permeability of the various
cloth elemerts of parachute canopies vary widelyý This variation is
a source of'divergence between calculated and measured inflation
time.

A1

A-IIl'
 NOLTR 72-146

SEA LEVEL 20 K - FT
6 6 n =0.5 n =0.6 n =0.7

nn= 0o95
6'..
=*1.0 n
•

00

2 4 6 8 2 4 6 8
to(SEC) to(SEC)

0.7 0.
1/0
50K- FT
n =0.5 00
n0.6 6 100K-FT
n=0.5

2 n.-n = 1. 0

* ~kk
2 2

0 I0

to(SEC) to(SEC)
*4 * _ _ 14

CLOTH TYPE
MIL-C-7020, = ______
1.46540 n
0632-46

MIL-C-n021, TYPE I 0.99469 0.540 6

MIL-C-8021, TYPEn . 0.44117 0.60492 =

0'

FIG .A-9 EFFECT OF CANOPY CLOTH CONSTANTS "k'° AND "n"

ON THE UNFOLDING TIME OF A 35-FOOT DIAMETER
10% EXTENDED SKIRT PARACHUTE
= 200 FEET PER SECOND

A- 12

4
 NOLTR 72-146

APPENDIX B

DETERMINATION OF THE PARACHUTE INCLUDED

VOLUME AND ASSOCIATED AIR MASS

Before the reference time, t0 , and inflation time, tf, can be

calculated, the volume of atmosphere, Vo, which is to be collected
during the inflation process miust be accurately known. This require-
ment dictates that a realistic inflated canopy shape and associated
volume of atmosphere be determinud. Figure B-1 was reproduced from
reference (5). The technique of using lampblack coated plates to
determine the airflow patterns around metal models of inflated
canopy shapes was used by the investigator of reference (5) to study
the stability characteristics of contemporary parachutes, i.e., 1943.
A by-product of this study is that it is clearly shown that the
volume of air with'in the canopy bulges out of the canopy mouth
(indicated by arrows) and -extends ahead of the canopy hem. This
volume must be collected during the inflation process. Another
neglected,but significant, sour-e of canopy volume exists in the
billowed portion of the gore panels.
The steady-state canopy shape has been observed in wind-tunnel
and field tests to be elliptical in profile. Studies of the
inflated shape and included volume of several parachute types (flat
circular, 10 percent extended skirt, elliptical, hemispherical,
ring slot, ribbon, and c-ross) are documented in referenc.es (6) and
(7). These studies demonstrated that the steady-state profile
shape of inflated canopies of the various types can be approximated
to be two ellipses of common major diameter, 2a, and dissimilar
minor diameters, b and b', as shown in Figure B-2. It was also
shown that the volume of the ellipsoid of revolution formed by
revolving the profile shape about the canopy axis was a good
approximation of the volume of atmosphere to be c,!ollected during
canopy inflation and included the air volume extended ahead cf the
parachute skirt hem together with the billowed gore volume.

V0= 3r, a B-l

Tables B-I and B-Ii are summaries of test results reproduced from
references (6) and (7), respec-tively, for the c.onvenience of the
reader.

B-1
 NOLTR 72-146

FLOW .¶

V/ENT PARACHUTE

REPRODUCED FROM REFERENCE (5)

FIG.B-1 AIPFL(Y.; PArTERf S SHOIOING AIR VOLUME AHEAD OF CANOPY HEM

 NOLTR 72-146

10
x Lu
LU

LU"
U-
LU

0
ce.
U-

Lu

0 0

LU
o 0d
uiz
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06 0
>LU U

w0

-o

LuR 1
tA

____ ___ _ _ _
__ _ ___
____ __ _ _ _ _ _
uC n L

,( U4

-3 a
Iz
 NOLTR 72- 1-o

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 NOLTR 72-i46

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B- 05 V