Resumen de The Fluid Dynamics of Parachute Inflation

C. W. Peterson, J. H. Strickland

• The inflation of a modern parachute encompasses several of the most com- plex phenomena in classical fluid dynamics, such as porous, bluff-body aero- dynamics; highly deformable structures that change shape rapidly in response to the surrounding flow field; and time-dependent flow phenomena caused by the rapid deceleration of the parachute and payload. This article summarizes recent progress made in physically understanding and numerically describing the coupled fluid and structural dynamics of parachute inflation. Experimental and computational advances in the modeling of bluff-body flows and parachute infla- tion are reviewed. The development of computational parachute inflation models has progressed to the point where their potential value has been proved, but they are not yet ready to be used as trusted parachute design tools. The ultimate goal is to predict with confidence the fully coupled time-dependent fluid dynamics and structural dynamics of parachutes in flight before flying them.