Characterization of Bridle and Riser Elastic Properties of the Dragonfly Parachute Decelerator System through Full-Scale Testing

The Dragonfly team conducted testing of the flight-like drogue parachute bridle and riser to characterize elastic properties of the elements. These tests provide the highest-fidelity elastic data used to-date to inform planetary parachute properties. An overview of heritage elastic modeling approaches are discussed. A test concept, plan and execution summary for directly measuring elastic properties of full-scale, flight-like specimen is presented. Findings include a non-linear, load-dependent stiffness and explicit testing of dynamic damping properties using transverse and axial pluck test techniques. Recommendations for implementing and verifying these test results into the modeling workflows for the Dragonfly mission are also discussed.