A computational study of supersonic disk-gap-band parachutes using Large-Eddy Simulation coupled to a structural membrane

Large-scale fluid-structure interaction simulations of compressible flows over flexible supersonic disk-gap-band parachutes are compared with matching experimental results. We utilize adaptive mesh refinement, large-eddy simulation of compressible flow coupled with a thin-shell structural finite-element model. The simulations are carried out in the regime where large canopy-area oscillations are present, around and above Mach 2, where strong nonlinear coupling between the system of bow shocks, turbulent wake and canopy is observed. Comparisons of drag history and its dependence on Mach number are discussed. Furthermore, it is observed that important dynamical features of this coupled system can only be reproduced when sufficient grid resolution is used. Lack of resolution resulted in incorrect flow-physics prediction and, consequently, incorrect fluid-structure interaction coupling. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.