Study of parachute inflation process using fluid-structure interaction method

• Published in: Chinese journal of aeronautics Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 272 - 279
• Main Authors: Yu, Li, Cheng, Han, Zhan, Ya’nan, Li, Shaoteng
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2014
• Subjects: Angles (geometry); Computer simulation; Drag; Empirical formula; Fluid-structure interaction; Inflation; Inflation process; Loads (forces); Mathematical models; Opening shock; Parachute; Parachutes; Sales; Wind tunnel test; 充气时间; 充气过程; 拉格朗日; 数值模拟方法; 流固耦合; 流场计算; 耦合方法; 降落伞; Fluid–structure interaction; Empirical formula; Parachute; Inflation process; Wind tunnel test; Opening shock
• ISSN: 1000-9361
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cja.2014.02.021

A direct numerical modeling method for parachute is proposed firstly, and a model for the star-shaped folded parachute with detailed structures is established. The simplified arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian fluid structure interaction （SALE/FSI） method is used to simulate the infla- tion process of a folded parachute, and the flow field calculation is mainly based on operator split- ting technique. By using this method, the dynamic variations of related parameters such as flow field and structure are obtained, and the load jump appearing at the end of initial inflation stage is cap- tured. Numerical results including opening load, drag characteristics, swinging angle, etc. are well consistent with wind tunnel tests. In addition, this coupled method can get more space-time detailed information such as geometry shape, structure, motion, and flow field. Compared with previous inflation time method, this method is a completely theoretical analysis approach without relying on empirical coefficients, which can provide a reference for material selection, performance optimi- zation during parachute design.