A 3-d finite element structural parachute model

摘要

A joint research effort between the U.S. army Natick Research, Development and Engineering Center and the University of Connecticut has begun to model the structural dynamic behavior of parachutes in three dimensions utilizing three dimensional membrane and cable finite elements. As a starting point, the terminal descent characteristics of a half-scale C-9 parachute is being investigated. The goal is to predict the terminal descent shape, stress distribution and the location and extent of wrinkles when given a canopy's unstretched, constructed geometry and pressure distribution on the 3-D surface. This paper describes and illustrates the finite element model and presents progress in predictive capability to date.