Fluid-Structure Interactions of a Round Parachute: Modeling and Simulation Techniques

Abstract

A parallel computational technique is presented for carrying out three-dimensional simulations of parachute uid-structure interactions, and this technique is applied to simulations of airdrop performance and control phenomena in terminal descent. The technique uses a stabilized space-time formulation of the time-dependent, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations of incompressible ows for the uid dynamics part. Turbulent features of the ow are accounted for by using a zero-equation turbulence model. A nite element formulation derived from the principle of virtual work is used for the parachute structural dynamics. The parachute is represented as a cable-membrane tension structure. Coupling of the uid dynamics with the structural dynamics is implemented over the uid-structure interface, which is the parachute canopy surface. Large deformations of the structure require that the uid dynamics mesh is updated at every time step, and this is accomplished with an automatic mesh-moving method. The parachute used in the application presented here is a standard U.S. Army personnel parachute.

A framework for stabilized partitioned analysis of thin membrane–wind interaction

“…Generally, two different types of approaches for the numerical simulation of FSI exist: monolithic [4][5][6][7][8] and partitioned strategies [9][10][11][12][13].…”

Space–time computations in practical engineering applications: a summary of the 25-year history

“…Computations reported in 2001 included aerodynamics of a helicopter [36], fluid-particle interactions in spatially periodic domains [37], parachute FSI for a cross parachute [38], aerodynamics and FSI of a parachute crossing the wake of an aircraft [39,40], and FSI of a T-10 parachute with line pull [41]. A review article published in [42] included ramair parachute flare maneuver, flow around two high-speed trains in a tunnel, flow past a propeller, aerodynamics of a helicopter, fluid-particle interactions of 1000 spheres falling in a liquid-filled tube, fluid-particle interactions in spatially periodic cells, free-surface flow past a circular cylinder, and flow past a dam.…”

Air Combating System-of-systems Effectiveness Analysis based on Modeling in Macro and Micro Perspective and Simulation

“…The traditional analytic method for capability requirement analysis of the system with uncertain information is difficult to gained scale requirement of the large-scale helicopter group [4]. Operations simulation is thought of as practical to solve the gray system [5][6][7]. Based on the macro-micro characteristic of the system of systems and the individual system, Air Combating combat models are divided into three types separately in macro and micro perspective.…”