Aerodynamic decelerators - An engineering review

Nomenclature CD = drag coefficient based on S CDS — drag area of fully inflated parachute, ft2 (CiwS)r == drag area of reefed parachute, ft2 d = constructed parachute diameter across base of conical parachute, ft Di = inflated diameter, f d, ft hr — release altitude, msl, ft j£t = outflow coefficient (approximately 0.6) Ki = inflow coefficient (a value o^f 0.7 is used for a first approximation, and adjusted as determined by experimental data) Lr = circumferential length of reefing line, ft AP = pressure across canopy, lb/ft2 q = dynamic pressure JpF2, lb/ft2 R = radius of canopy during inflation normal to mean local canopy contour, ft Rm = maximum inflated radius of canopy, ft (approximately | of constructed radius) RQ = initial radius of canopy at start of inflation, ft (radius of suspension lugs or pack radius) s = tensile stress, lb/ft2 S = area of base of conical chute, 7rd2/4, ft2 t = thickness of ribbon, ft if = filling time, sec T — ribbon tensile load, Ib V = vehicle velocity, fps Fo = vehicle velocity at start of parachute filling, fps w = ribbon width, ft W = vehicle weight, Ib XG = geometric porosity of canopy p = air density, slugs/ft3