Airdrop simulations of controlled parachute descents

Computational simulation tools have been applied to a variety of applications relating to the control of parachute descent. The simulation tools have three components: the computation of the structural dynamics (CSD); the computation of the fluid dynamics of the air stream (CFD); and the mutual interface between two that make up the fluid-structure interactions (FSI). In the area of CSD, element contact methodologies have been investigated and tested. FSI developments have focused on the application of line input controls and soft-landing techniques for round canopies. In addition, long duration simulation results have been performed and compared qualitatively with the results from experimental investigations.