How to model flight of simple parachute in 2D?

In summary, the conversation is about modeling the flight of a simple parachute in 2D and finding a formula that can map its position, velocity, and glide angle over time. The parachute is affected by forces such as lift, drag, and weight, and eventually settles into a steady state glide with a given speed and glide angle. The person also mentions the possibility of incorporating toggles/brakes, but this may be complicated due to the time-based pendulum effect it causes on the parachute. They provide a link for more information, but it does not provide any helpful solutions.
  • #1
callagga
2
0
How would one model flight of simple parachute in 2D?

For example a formula(s) that would effectively allow you to map the parachute's position/velocity/glideAngle over time. I'm imaging dropping the parachute (consider in 2D only to make easier) and then it will be affected by forces Lift/Drag/Weight, and as these play out the parachute would over a number of seconds angle down, pick up forward speed, and then settle down into some steady state glide with a given speed and glide angle. So perhaps it would arrive at steady state kind of like a sine wave of reducing size as it settles down perhaps(?)

So I was hoping for a formula that gives something like:

position(x,y)/speed/glideAngle = function(time)


(Bonus extra would be effect of toggles/brakes that can be applied at various levels that affect glide angle & speed, but this might be quite complicate as it causes a time based pendulum effect to the parachute too...)

canopy_diagram.jpg
 
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  • #3
these don't help unfortunately
 

1. What are the main factors that affect the flight of a simple parachute in 2D?

The main factors that affect the flight of a simple parachute in 2D are the size and shape of the parachute, the weight of the object attached to the parachute, the air density and temperature, and the wind speed and direction.

2. How is the drag force of a parachute calculated in 2D?

The drag force of a parachute in 2D can be calculated using the drag equation, which takes into account the air density, the object's velocity, the frontal area of the parachute, and the drag coefficient of the parachute.

3. What is the difference between steady-state and unsteady-state flight of a parachute in 2D?

In steady-state flight, the forces acting on the parachute are balanced, resulting in a constant velocity and direction. In unsteady-state flight, the forces are constantly changing, causing the parachute to accelerate or decelerate.

4. How does the shape of a parachute affect its flight in 2D?

The shape of a parachute can greatly affect its flight in 2D. A larger parachute with a rounder shape will experience more drag, resulting in a slower descent. A smaller parachute with a flatter shape will experience less drag, resulting in a faster descent.

5. What are some common techniques used to model the flight of a parachute in 2D?

Some common techniques used to model the flight of a parachute in 2D include computer simulations using computational fluid dynamics, wind tunnel experiments, and mathematical equations such as the drag equation and equations of motion.

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