Fatigue degradation of the structure of parachute systems

Abstract

Parachute systems are in widespread use in aviation. Up to now, parachutes are the most uncertain air vehicles because of their complex and unsteady opening characteristics, changes in geometry up to 30% and vulnerability from unsteady atmospheric turbulence. Fatigue is a problem that the designers of long living parachute systems need to cope with. Authors demonstrate complexity of parachute exploitation and means to lower opening forces and extend service life without influencing safety.