Title:
Aerodynamic Stability and Performance of Next-Generation
Parachutes for Mars Descent
Aerodynamic Stability and Performance of Next-Generation
Parachutes for Mars Descent
Author(s)
Gonyea, Keir
Advisor(s)
Braun, Robert D.
Editor(s)
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Abstract
The aerodynamic stability and performance characteristics of next-generation supersonic
parachutes were determined through wind tunnel testing. Canopy configurations included
the disk-gap-band (DGB), ringsail, and ringsail-variant designs referred to as the disksail
and starsail. Stereo photogrammetric processing was performed during testing, which was
then used to estimate the static and dynamic moment coefficient curves as a function of total
angle of attack. The dynamic components of the angle of attack and sideslip angle were
shown to be significant, heavily influencing the resulting total angle of attack profile and
moment coefficients. Uncertainty in the apparent mass of the canopies resulted in
uncertainty in the moment coefficient magnitudes. From the stability curves, the peak
moment, trim total angle of attack, and pitch stiffness at the trim angle could be determined.
Parachute stability was assessed in the context of drag load and geometric porosity. An
inverse relationship between the drag load and the stability of the canopies was generally
seen. The DGB canopies tended to be more stable while the ringsail and disksail canopies
had more drag. Similar stability properties as the DGB with slightly higher drag loads were
obtained by increasing the geometric porosity distribution around the crown of the disksail
canopies.
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Date Issued
2013-07-18
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Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Masters Project
Rights Statement
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