Fatigue Degradation of the Ram-Air Parachute Canopy Structure

Abstract

Abstract In this work, the authors continue researching issues related to fatigue of aircraft structures made of fabrics. Parachute systems are widely used in military, sport and recreational aviation. Braking parachutes as well as skydiving and troop parachutes are characterized by the repeated use of parachute canopies, which are exposed to wear and fatigue. Until now, parachutes were difficult to design aviation systems due to their complex and unsteady opening characteristics, large changes in the geometry of canopies, suspension lines and tape risers as well as exposure to stochastic atmospheric turbulence. The fatigue of the canopy fabric, suspension lines and tape risers is a problem that must be addressed by textile designers and designers of reusable parachute systems. The authors of this work demonstrate the complexity of operating a parachute in hard multiple use conditions and propose ways to extend the parachute’s service life without compromising safety.