Sensing performance of electrically conductive fabrics and dielectric electro active polymers for parachutes

Abstract

This paper quantifies the sensing capabilities of novel smart materials in an effort to improve the performance, better understand the physics, and enhance the safety of parachutes. Based upon a recent review of actuation technologies for parachute applications, it was surmised that the actuators reviewed could not be used to effectively alter the drag or lift (i.e. geometry, porosity, or air vent openings) of a parachute during flight. However, several materials showed potential for sensing applications within a parachute, specifically electrically conductive fabrics and dielectric electro-active polymers. This paper introduces several new conductive fabrics and provides an evaluation of the sensing performance of these smart materials based upon test results using mechanical testing and digital image correlation for comparison.

Sensing performance of electrically conductive fabrics and suspension lines for parachute systems

“…This information is important to ensure that the structural integrity of the parachute is not compromised and to assist in understanding the physical dynamics of parachute opening and steady-state flight. From a recent review of smart materials for parachute applications (Favini et al, 2011), electrically conductive fabrics and suspension lines showed potential for sensing applications. The results presented in this article focus on the sensing capabilities of these two materials.…”