Computational study of single and clustered parachutes in the wake of an aircraft

Abstract

This work continues a long-term study toward bridging the gap between flight dynamics simulation of ring-slot extraction parachutes in the wake of an aircraft and high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics. Extraction-parachute system designs primarily rely on the empirical or semi-empirical methods generated from flight tests. Traditional wind tunnel experiments of this environment provide limited data due to difficulty in capturing scale and realistic aircraft engine effects. A computational fluid dynamics study of rigid-model single and clustered ring slot parachutes in the wake of a C-17 aircraft permits an alternate determination of parachute performance characteristics, including stability, to inform reduced order models. The presented simulations include force and moment data for the single- and triple- extraction parachute clusters. These data complement experimental and flight test data. The outcome of this study will help reduce the cost of drop testing and enable larger parameter studies to enhance system design and safety.