Development of Parachute Simulation Techniques in LS-DYNA

Parachute design often relies heavily on historical experimental data, and parachute development frequently requires numerous test campaigns. Although both of these techniques eventually result in successful parachute systems, such an approach will rarely result in any true advance to parachute engineering knowledge. Consequently, an unusually high emphasis is placed on experienced parachute design personnel, and often similar lessons have to be re-learnt over and again. Airborne Systems has been at the forefront of parachute modeling using Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) techniques for the past 7 years. Significant advances have been made in parachute modeling using this powerful technology, many of which have been a direct result of US Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center funding and support. This paper presents the current "state of the art" parachute modeling at Airborne Systems using LS-DYNA. It discusses recent advances in simulating parachute performance and areas of future study. It documents fabric material modeling, wind tunnel class parachute analysis, parachute inflation studies, and comparisons with drop test data. A description of the modeling methodology is included as well as the application of the technology in a number of real world parachute applications including the old T-10 and the new T-11 US Army mass tactical assault parachutes.