Structural Simulations of Conical Ribbon Parachute Deployment with a New Detailed Fabric Contact Algorithm, Reefing Line Interactions and Suspension Line Dynamics

We describe structural simulations of conical ribbon parachutes, typically used as drogue parachutes in entry-descent-landing, to generate partially inflated configurations suitable for deployment dynamic studies. The fabric of the parachute is modeled as a thin shell using subdivision shape elements, while suspension and reefing lines are described as elastic cables. Everything is integrated with a new accurate self-contact algorithm to ensure no interpenetration of the canopy as it folds. Furthermore, we describe different loading protocols to generate partially inflated configurations from the initial constructed geometry description.