A note on the theory of parachute stability

Abstract

A re-assessment of a generally accepted theory of parachute stability has been made with the object of clarifying the assumptions used in its derivation and exposing deficiencies in previous treatments. Some new, equations are derived but lack of knowledge of the aerodynamic and apparent-mass coefficients prevents a comparison with experiment from being made. The theory is idealised and uncertainties with regard to the relation between the apparent-mass concepts in a real and an ideal fluid suggest that the correlation between theory and experiment may be slight. Experimental work on the apparent mass of a parachute is recommended in order to assess the validity of the theoretical model.