Multi-Physics Models for Parachute Deployment and Braking for Coupling with DoD CREATE-AV Kestrel

Design analysis of parachute recovery systems has relied on a combination of core design principles, historical empirical data, and extensive testing for decades. Parachute motion involves complex phenomena involving porous bluff-body aerodynamics and highly deformable cloth. The proposed project is a plugin for the DoD CREATE-AV Kestrel simulation suite that will enable high-fidelity simulations of parachutes. The governing equations of the fluid flow, parachute, cables, and payload, are derived through first principles. Specifically, we utilize an immersed boundary method for the parachute canopy and payload to enable efficient and high-fidelity capturing of the surface motion. Thin-Shell and Cable structural methods are used to model the parachute canopy and cables. Coupling between the payload, cables, and canopy are also taken into consideration to enable multi-body motion. The plugin will be designed to allow for various parachute configurations. In addition, the plugin will be developed to allow for full parachute deployment. Incorporation of the described methods into Kestrel through the plugin system to enable scalable parallel simulation is also described. The plugin will first test loose coupling in Phase I with tight coupling planned for Phase II.The plugin will enable next generation designs and applications of parachutes for the DoD.