Question

Physics of Parachutes?

Answer 1

I'm doing a physics project on the physics of parachutes. Is it just force of gravity -- force of tension, which applies newton's three laws...

am i missing anything?

Answer 2

So how does it work? Consider a simple example to understand its working principle. If you drop a shut umbrella and an open umbrella (in the conventional position) from the top of a building, the closed one would fall quickly to the surface below, while the open one will fall slower, and with relatively much less force. A parachute works on similar lines. It cushions a fall due to greater resistance of air on the large surface area of the parachute fabric. This large surface area, made of a lightweight and flexible fabric, creates an air drag, which acts in opposition to the fall. The air molecules covered by the large surface area of the fabric tend to move upwards applying a reverse force to the force of gravity. The cloth design is such that it is sufficiently strong to avoid tear and also elastic enough to get maximum drag effect.

Depending on the application area, there are different types of designs. The tapered parachutes provide a variable resistance to the fall at different points on the envelope. This enables better control and speed adjustment. Same is the case with the rectangular ones. These have dense fabrication of air cells, which provides greater safety. Such parachutes are usually used for recreational and training activities.

Physics of parachutes further integrated zero porosity and rip cord technology. The rip cord works to cushion the sudden stresses that come into play when it is opened and ensures proper deployment. The ripping effect on opening a parachute can in fact rip a human body. On the other hand, a firm grip of the ropes on the fabric can cause problems in its opening. The rip cord setup facilitates a smoother functionality of this system. Zero porosity science deals with the nylon fabric. It prevents the air trapped under the surface of the fabric from escaping through the cloth fabric, ensuring a safe and cushioned parachute landing.

There are many other physics applications being used in parachutes, such as the square or cruciform type shapes, specially designed to reduce turbulence and vigorous swinging during descent. Annular and pull down type, Rogallo wing design ram-air parachutes have excellent maneuvering while ribbon ring patterns are used to fly out at supersonic speeds.

Parachute science has come a long way, since its conceptualization in history, and continues to make great strides and advancements, proving to be a blessing to people stranded in the air, among its various other uses.

Answer 3

force of gravity = mg
force of tension = force that the parachute exerts on the object
..?

Answer 4

For example: IF
The terminal velocity of a skydiver is about 125 mph, which takes about 15 seconds to achieve. Gravity provides a downward force of 32.18 feet per second as you fall. Air drag is proportional to the square of an object's speed and also depends on the area of the object. The drag of a parachute increases while falling until it's equal to the weight of the parachute plus human, at which point acceleration decreases to zero

Answer 5

drag force too f=1/2*Cd*pho*A*V²

Answer 6

yeah i got that.

Answer 7

hey @jennychan12 can u pls mention the question in detail please...