Analytical study on deformation and structural safety of parafoil

Abstract

This study focuses on the cell bump distortion and bearing capacity of parafoil structure. Based on the mechanical properties of the membrane structure, the spanwise model of parafoil inflation was established and verified by comparing with the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) results. Because the internal pressure is very low, the chordwise stiffness is mainly generated by suspending lines. The chordwise model of inflated parafoil was established in consideration of elastic force and aerodynamic force. The results show that the cell is slenderer; the canopy surface is smoother; the aerodynamic load has a light effect on the shrinkage and bump ratios; when the cell width is constant, the critical dynamic pressure reduces k times with the k times increasing in parafoil area; and the design parameters of the first-row line OA have significant effects on the structural stiffness of inflated parafoil. The analytical model is useful for the weakening deformation design and the safety discussion of large parafoil for rocket booster recovery.