The maximum drop height of high-altitude parachuting based on dynamic and thermodynamic analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the maximum possible initial height for skydiving, taking into account the physical and biological constraints of the sport. It develops the dynamic and thermodynamic models of the skydiver before and after deploying the parachute, and uses numerical methods to obtain the optimal parameters for safe landing. It also examines the thermal properties of the protective suit and the maximum heat it can endure. The paper demonstrates that the initial height does not affect the landing speed, and that the heat generated by the fall is within the tolerable range of the skydiver. The paper shows that the key factor for determining the maximum skydiving height is the thermal resistance of the protective material, rather than the conventional dynamic considerations. The paper concludes that the highest height that can be skydived is 45400 meters, the opening height is 3000 meters, and the landing speed is 6.32 m/s. This paper provides a novel perspective on the physics and engineering of skydiving.