Derivation of Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Ribbon Parachute by Truck Tow Test

Ribbon parachutes are used for speed reduction and stabilization of high-speed payloads and aircraft. The high porosity and their different geometrical shape are due to the performance of these parachutes at high speeds. In this paper, a ribbon parachute for recovery of a 350 kg spatial consignment has been designed, and by means of a set of tools, the aerodynamic and structural loads are calculated. The canopy is made from nylon 66; its deployed diameter is equal to 1.2 m. First, the types of parachute test methods are introduced. After the initial parachute design, the output of the design is modeled and simulated. Finally, to evaluate the design brake parachute, the vehicle's parachute traction test was used for validation. Comparing the results of simulations and experimental data obtained from the truck tow test are in acceptable agreement with each other, which shows the effectiveness of the truck tow test as a low-cost method for approximate measurement of drag coefficient and parachute stability at low speeds.