Accession Number:

ADA021877

Title:

An Experimental Investigation of Model Parachutes Under Finite Mass Conditions.

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis,

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OHIO SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

Personal Author(s):

• Brown,Herbert R.

Report Date:

1975-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

97.0

Abstract:

A two part experimental investigation was undertaken. The first part was to develop testing techniques for a finite mass test fixture. The test fixture is designed such that a model parachute and load are free to move along a wire track through a wind tunnel test section. Also a servomechanism simulated the component of force due to gravity acting on the load. The second part was to test the feasibility of using mass ratios as similarity parameters for wind tunnel testing of model parachutes. Tests were conducted to determine the friction force of the wire track on the test load of varing weights and for varing degrees of lubrication. Graphite lubrication of the wire track reduced the friction force and adjustments to the servomechanism were developed which compensate for this reduced friction force.

Descriptors:

• *WIND TUNNEL TESTS
• *PARACHUTES
• DEPLOYMENT
• THESES
• AERODYNAMIC DRAG
• PARACHUTE FABRICS

Subject Categories:

• Gliders and Parachutes

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE