To me this sounds like somewhat of a dumb question, but if someone else has thought of this there must be some reason it can't be done. But...
Why not make parachutes out of Nomex? I understand that the ripstop nylon in the big boys is much stronger and that the strength is needed, but what about for mids and LPRs? You already buy nomex shields, why not take it the extra step and eliminate all the fuss? With a kevlar shock cord and shroud lines, the 'chute itself would bed the wadding, or no wadding would even be necessary.
Now textiles is definitely not my forte, but is this impractical for some reason? I can think that less strength would be one, and higher weight would be another. Cost might be a third, but I can't forsee it being so expensive that it would outweigh the cost of replacing a rocket and/or damage to property if things go awry. Also, I have no idea what this stuff costs...
If I could find some, I'd try it myself.
Anybody have any thoughts on this? Feel free to take me to school if I'm off the deep end here.
Jeff K
Why not make parachutes out of Nomex? I understand that the ripstop nylon in the big boys is much stronger and that the strength is needed, but what about for mids and LPRs? You already buy nomex shields, why not take it the extra step and eliminate all the fuss? With a kevlar shock cord and shroud lines, the 'chute itself would bed the wadding, or no wadding would even be necessary.
Now textiles is definitely not my forte, but is this impractical for some reason? I can think that less strength would be one, and higher weight would be another. Cost might be a third, but I can't forsee it being so expensive that it would outweigh the cost of replacing a rocket and/or damage to property if things go awry. Also, I have no idea what this stuff costs...
If I could find some, I'd try it myself.
Anybody have any thoughts on this? Feel free to take me to school if I'm off the deep end here.
Jeff K