Technical References for Parachute and Recovery Systems

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bobkrech

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This thread is exclusively for technical references for recovery systems.

This is the definitive reference for parachute design and constructuions. Click the link below to download. CAUTION: It is a 20 MB download.

Accession Number : ADA247666
Title : Parachute Recovery Systems Design Manual
Corporate Author : NAVAL WEAPONS CENTER CHINA LAKE CA
Personal Author(s) : Knacke, Theo W.
PDF Url : ADA247666
Report Date : MAR 1991
Pagination or Media Count : 511
Abstract : The purpose of this manual is to provide recovery system engineers in government and industry with tools to evaluate, analyze, select, and design parachute recovery systems. These systems range from simple, one-parachute assemblies to multiple-parachute systems, and may include equipment for impact attenuation, flotation, location, retrieval, and disposition. All system aspects are discussed, including the need for parachute recovery, the selection of the most suitable recovery system concept, concept analysis, parachute performance, force and stress analysis, material selection, parachute assembly and component design, and manufacturing. Experienced recovery system engineers will find this publication useful as a technical reference book; recent college graduates will find it useful as a textbook for learning about parachutes and parachute recovery systems; and technicians with extensive practical experience will find it useful as an engineering textbook that includes a chapter on parachute- related aerodynamics. In this manual, emphasis is placed on aiding government employees in evaluating and supervising the design and application of parachute systems. The parachute recovery system uses aerodynamic drag to decelerate people and equipment moving in air from a higher velocity to a lower velocity and to a safe landing. This lower velocity is known as rate of descent, landing velocity, or impact velocity, and is determined by the following requirements: (1) landing personnel uninjured and ready for action, (2) landing equipment and air vehicles undamaged and ready for use or refurbishment, and (3) impacting ordnance at a preselected angle and velocity.
Descriptors : *VELOCITY, RECOVERY, SYSTEMS ENGINEERING, INDUSTRIES, AIRCRAFT, IMPACT, STRESS ANALYSIS, MATERIALS, RATES, LOW VELOCITY, ENGINEERING, SAFETY, AERODYNAMIC DRAG, ATTENUATION, PARACHUTES, ENGINEERS, UNIVERSITIES, PERSONNEL, ASSEMBLY, ORDNANCE, LEARNING, SELECTION, BOOKS, DESCENT, LANDING, GRADUATES, TEXTBOOKS.​
Subject Categories : AERODYNAMICS
GLIDERS AND PARACHUTES
Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE​
 
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The earlier version is here.

Accession Number : ADA070251
Title : Recovery Systems Design Guide
Descriptive Note : Final technical rept. 1 Jun 75-30 Jun 78​
Corporate Author : IRVIN INDUSTRIES INC GARDENA CA
Personal Author(s) : Ewing, E. G. ; Bixby, H. W. ; Knacke, T. W.
PDF Url : ADA070251
Report Date : DEC 1978
Pagination or Media Count : 493
Abstract : This document serves as the third revision of the USAF Parachute Handbook which was first published in 1951. The data and information represent the current state of the art relative to recovery system design and development. The initial chapters describe representative recovery applications, components, subsystems, material, manufacture and testing. The final chapters provide empirical data and analytical methods useful for predicting performance and presenting a definitive design of selected components into a reliable recovery system. (Author)
Descriptors : *PARACHUTES, *HANDBOOKS, RECOVERY, STATE OF THE ART, EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN, IMPACT SHOCK, AIR DROP OPERATIONS, ESCAPE SYSTEMS, DECELERATION.​
Subject Categories : GLIDERS AND PARACHUTES
INFORMATION SCIENCE
Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE​
 
Wow, this sounds like a really technical manual. It is downloading while this reply is being typed.

Do you know if it covers the size of parachute needed for a 12.5 ounce rocket?

Thanks for sharing this link!

Mike
 
Wow, this sounds like a really technical manual. It is downloading while this reply is being typed.

Do you know if it covers the size of parachute needed for a 12.5 ounce rocket?

Thanks for sharing this link!

Mike

these are probably overkill to answer your question. there are several parachute sizing calculators online...search on this forum (or the archive) for them.

edit: like this thread from the archive https://www.rocketryforumarchive.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31215&highlight=descent
 
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hi im building my first rocket i know nothing about i got a lil nuke pk-4 an im wondering how this recovery system works an how you set up parachutes an whats wadding an basicly how do you set all this up i have no idia please help thanks
 
I'll contribute a few. These are geared more towards materials, construction, etc., but could be useful for those like me that are interested in making and repairing my own chutes. YMMV

This one is free:
FAA-H-8083-17 2005 Riggers Manual
Geared towards becoming an FAA rigger but has some great info on packing, repairs, etc. Plus, it's a free PDF download from the FAA website.
https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aircraft/media/faa-h-8083-17.pdf

Some of the same type of info at a more in depth level:
The Parachute Manual, by Dan Poynter. Volumes 1 and 2. Can be found on Amazon.com or Para Publishing.
 
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