Vent modification of large ribbon parachutes to enhance cluster performanceDue to uneven load sharing and lagging inflation rates, the design of the Large Main Parachute (LMP) cluster, used to recover the Space Shuttle steel case Solid Rocket Boosters, had to be modified. The cause of the problem was excessive variation in effective porosity in the crown area of the LMP during first stage inflation. The design modification consisted of adding horizontal ribbons above the existing vent band to reduce the vent porosity and better control the position and attitude of the vent lines. Performance of modified LMP's since introduction indicates that the load sharing between the clustered chutes has been significantly improved.
Document ID
19870026509
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Kolega, D. J. (Martin Marietta Corp. Denver, CO, United States)
Woodis, W. R. (Martin Marietta Corp. Denver, CO, United States)
Reuter, J. D. (Pioneer Parachute Co., Inc. Manchester, CT, United States)