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Windtunnel testing of parachutes for the Huygens probe

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

J. C. Underwood  and
R. J. Sinclair
J. C. Underwood
Affiliation:
Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, Nr Uxbridge, UK
R. J. Sinclair
Affiliation:
Irvin Aerospace, Letchworth, UK
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Abstract

Windtunnels are generally used for testing models of solid, aerodynamic objects, such as aircraft. The test articles are generally manufactured to have a representative external profile but provide sufficient strength to survive the harsh windtunnel environment without damage to the test article or tunnel. It is somewhat unusual, however, to test lightweight, high drag, fabric models (i.e. parachutes) in supersonic flow.

This paper describes the testing carried out on the parachutes for the Huygens probe, the techniques developed for the testing and the lessons learned.

Tests were carried out to characterise the drag coefficient of the parachute designs throughout the Mach range of 0.05 to 1.5, and the stability coefficients at incidences of up to 15° at low Mach numbers.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 101 , Issue 1008 , October 1997 , pp. 357 - 364
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1997 

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