Computational Investigation of the Flow Around a Parachute Model

Studying airdrop system aerodynamics is very challenging due to the coupling of aerodynamic forces and structural dynamics. Simplified models not containing the dynamic system coupling can yield information useful for fundamental understanding and advanced code validation. This paper presents steady...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of aircraft 2011-01, Vol.48 (1), p.34-41
Main Authors: McQuilling, Mark, Lobosky, Lauren, Sander, Steven
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aerodynamics
Applied fluid mechanics
Computational methods in fluid dynamics
Exact sciences and technology
Fluid dynamics
Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications)
Parachuting
Physics
Reynolds number
Simulation
Solid mechanics
Structural and continuum mechanics
Studies
Turbulent flow
Vibration, mechanical wave, dynamic stability (aeroelasticity, vibration control...)
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Summary:Studying airdrop system aerodynamics is very challenging due to the coupling of aerodynamic forces and structural dynamics. Simplified models not containing the dynamic system coupling can yield information useful for fundamental understanding and advanced code validation. This paper presents steady-state results from a Reynolds-averaged Navier - Stokes flow solver simulating flow around a parachute model at a Reynolds number of 365,000 over five pitch angles of 0, -5, -8,-10, and -12... The parachute model, rigid and hemispherical in shape, is similar to that of a ribbon parachute with four ribbons or rings. Pressure results are compared with experimental data to judge accuracy of the simulations. Additional results include pressure and vorticity contours, as well as computational oil-flow visualizations. These results illustrate the complex flow pattern in and around the ribbon parachute model, and they elaborate on existing data available for fluid - structure interaction code development. (ProQuest: ... denotes formulae/symbols omitted.)
ISSN:0021-8669
1533-3868
DOI:10.2514/1.46255