Why Not Nomex Chutes?

[Kruegon]

Kevlar is heat resistant. Nomex is fire retardant. Why not make our chutes out of it? It would completely eliminate dog barf and blankets to protect our chutes.

 

[rharshberger]

Kevlar is heat resistant. Nomex is fire retardant. Why not make our chutes out of it? It would completely eliminate dog barf and blankets to protect our chutes.

Cost and weight are the two that come to mind first.
Ejection charges still damage nomex chute protectors which is why I continue to use some dog barf.

 

[Exactimator]

This sounded familiar.
https://www.rocketryforum.com/showthread.php?120932-nomex-parachute

 

[crossfire]

We have searched high and low for a lite weight rip stop Nomex fabric. Nomex will burn and get holes over time. Like Rich said I to see flyers still using a little dog barf along with a chute protector.

 

[Kruegon]

Hmm. So not an original thought…

 

[Bat-mite]

https://www.the-rocketman.com/kevlar.html

 

[crossfire]

John
Yes RM has Kevlar chutes but they are very bulky and used mostly for a drogue in large projects.

 

[bobkrech]

Hobby rocket folks tend to over build stuff. Human parachutes are usually made from 1.1 oz/sq.yd. low or zero porosity rip-stop nylon instead of the heavier 1.7 oz./sq.yd. nylon fabric used in most hobby rocket chutes. https://www.paragear.com/parachutes/10000042/PARACHUTE-FABRIC The high price spread. There are cheaper sources.

Lightweight fiberglass cloth is used in military flare chutes. Kevlar, Nomex and heavy fiberglass products are typically used for chute protectors an bags and are more expensive. Welding sleeves were mentioned before as a alternate chute protector/bag and you can also use aluminized ironing board fabric from Joann's Fabric as a light weight chute protector or bag.

Bob

 

[Screaminhelo]

Nomex is fire resistant. While it does not readily support combustion, it does char when exposed to high heat so it does burn. It works well to protect against a flash fire but it begins to break down quickly when exposed to sustained heat or when in direct contact with burning material.