Supersonic Tests of the Double Gap Disk-Gap Band Parachute and Fluid Structure Interaction Simulation

The ESA Aerodynamics of Download Systems: Parachutes activity expands the knowledge of parachute inflation and flying characteristics in supersonic flows. Model DiskGap-Band (DGB) parachutes were tested in the CNRC 1.5m by 1.5m Tri-sonic wind tunnel in Ottawa, Canada. The tests gathered data on inflation, drag and general flight stability at Mach numbers of 1.6, 1.8, 2.0 and 2.25 in the wake of a probe of similar configuration to Stardust. The parachute models, with diameters of 1.5 and 3.0 times the probe diameter, were flown at trailing distances from 7.5 to 10.5 forebody diameters. Parachute forces were measured and visual data obtained using high speed video and Schlieren. The results of FSI simulations used to reconstruct one of the CNRC tests are presented. Finally, the results are compared to those obtained within a supersonic wind tunnel test campaign of the same parachute design conducted at the 10’ x 10’ NASA Glenn tunnel.