Load limiting parachute inflation control

James M. Redmond; Terry D. Hinnerichs; Gordon G. Parker

doi:10.1117/12.175230

6 May 1994 Load-limiting parachute inflation control

James M. Redmond, Terry D. Hinnerichs, Gordon G. Parker

Proceedings Volume 2190, Smart Structures and Materials 1994: Smart Structures and Intelligent Systems; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.175230
Event: 1994 North American Conference on Smart Structures and Materials, 1994, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

Excessive deceleration forces experienced during high speed deployment of parachute systems can cause damage to the payload and the canopy fabric. Conventional reefing lines offer limited relief by temporarily restricting canopy inflation and limiting the peak deceleration load. However, the open-loop control provided by existing reefing devices restrict their use to a specific set of deployment conditions. In this paper, the sensing, processing, and actuation that are characteristic of adaptive structures form the basis of three concepts for active control of parachute inflation. These active control concepts are incorporated into a computer simulation of parachute inflation. Initial investigations indicate that these concepts promise enhanced performance as compared to conventional techniques for a nominal release. Furthermore, the ability of each controller to adapt to off-nominal release conditions is examined.

Citation Download Citation

James M. Redmond, Terry D. Hinnerichs, and Gordon G. Parker "Load-limiting parachute inflation control", Proc. SPIE 2190, Smart Structures and Materials 1994: Smart Structures and Intelligent Systems, (6 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.175230

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