Aerodynamic Simulation of Closed-Canopy-Type Parafoil for Martian Exploration Mission

In this research, aerodynamic characteristics of a closed-canopy-type parafoil for Martian exploration mission are numerically investigated at low Reynolds number region. Membrane deformation by internal pressure of a parafoil is simulated by using a virtual particle method. The computational results show that aerodynamic characteristics are affected by membrane deformation and difference of a shape of arch. Membrane deformation decreases pressure on the lower surface of a parafoil, and a large central angle of an arch increases pressure on the upper surface. Because of these effects, parafoil model with a large central angle of an arch and membrane deformation has lower lift-drag ratio.Copyright © 2015 by JSME