Numerical simulation of the flow field around parachute during terminal descent

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a preliminary method for the numerical simulation of the flow field around a parachute.Design/methodology/approachWith the rise of computational fluid dynamics and structural finite element method, it is possible to accurately describe the dynamic characteristics of a parachute. In order to simulate the flow field around the parachute during terminal descent, a finite volume method and Spalart‐Allmaras turbulence model are used to solve the incompressible Navier‐Stokes equations.FindingsThe calculated results for flow field show good agreement with the experimental data.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough a preliminary analysis for the flow field around the parachute could be obtained using current method, the exact flow field (such as involving the canopy flexibility and weave porosity) calculations still rely on the complex fluid‐structure interaction analytical techniques that should be studied in future.Practical implicationsA very useful method for the preliminary analyses of the parachutes.Originality/valueBy comparing the calculated results with those of relevant experiment, it is proved that the proposed method is valid and available to parachute analyses.