Fluid–structure interaction and flight dynamics analysis of parachute–payload system during uncontrolled airdrop process

Abstract

The coupling behaviors of a special parachute's inflation incorporating fluid-structure interaction and flight dynamics are investigated based on the multibody dynamic model and LS-DYNA nonlinear analysis code. A new coupling model is developed to predict both the opening phase of parachute and the trajectory of payload during airdrop mission in low attitude. The moving mesh technology is introduced to realize the finite mass inflation simulation. A simplified integration platform is built by coupling the fluid-structure interaction and flight dynamics model, and solved based on two-way data transfer to efficiently replicate the dynamic characteristics of parachute finite mass inflation. Finally, the opening performances of the parachute at different airdropping velocities are analyzed and compared with the experimental results. The unsteady flow dynamics is simulated and the wake re-contacts phenomenon occurred. Taking consideration of the periodical disturb of wind gust, the trajectory of parachute-payload system is simulated and compared with the real airdrop test results. In conclusion, the results show that this coupling model is efficient to simulate and predict the dynamics behaviors of parachute-payload system in a finite mass inflation scenario, which will be beneficial for airdrop missions.

Effect of Shear Modulus on the Inflation Deformation of Parachutes Based on Fluid-Structure Interaction Simulation

“…The results show that the elastic moduli and shear moduli of fabrics vary with the inflation pressure, weave structure, and material properties of the fibers. Some researchers have proposed fluid-structure interaction (FSI) methods to simulate the nonlinear flexible behavior of parachute canopies [2,[12][13][14]. Most studies concentrated on the parachute inflation process involving observations of opening times and stress distributions under various loading conditions and structural responses.…”

Study on Transient Dynamics and Aerodynamic Characteristics of a New Type of High-Damping Four-Winged Rotating Parachute Inflation Process

“…Gao et al used a multimaterial arbitrary Lagrange-Euler-coupled numerical method to simulate the inflation process of a slot parachute [26]. en, they analyzed the FSI inflation phenomenon of a lifesaving slot parachute in low-speed finite mass inflation process by using the arbitrary Lagrange-Euler coupling penalty method, and they studied the coupling behaviors of a lifesaving parachute's inflation process based on the multibody dynamic model and LS-DYNA nonlinear analysis code in low attitude [27,28]. Moreover, they studied the transient dynamic behavior of a supersonic disk-gap-band parachute in a Mars entry environment involving FSI, and the numerical results were verified by the supersonic wind tunnel test data from NASA [29].…”