Computational Methods for Parachute Aerodynamics

We highlight some recent methods developed by the Team for Advanced Flow Simulation and Modeling http://www.mems.rice.edu/TAFSM/ for computation of parachute aerodynamics and fluid-structure interactions. This class of problems involve several computational challenges, including computation of unsteady long-wake flows generated by cargo aircraft carrying paratroopers and the affect of that unsteady wake on a parachute crossing it, as well as parachute aeromechanics simulations that take into account the changes in the parachute shape. Among the numerical methods we have developed to address these challenges are: a multi-domain method for computation of long-wake flows and flow around objects placed in such wakes, methods for the simultaneous solution of the fluid and structural mechanics equations governing the aeromechanics of a parachute. and advanced mesh moving methods. Our presentation here includes numerical examples that demonstrate the new computer simulation capabilities offered by the methods we have developed.