devCanopy

ParaCalc

Is an app that can help you design the best fitting parachute for your project.

Press the question mark to get more information.

Step 1: Descent Velocity Based on Impact

Free Fall Height (m):

Max-descent Velocity (m/s):

1st step is figuring how fast you want your parachute to descend. It's advised to have a descent speed faster than 3 m/s (Drifts less with side wind) and less than the max-impact velocity which is the maximum speed your payload can safely hit the ground. Through testing (also based on the structure/material of your payload) you can assume what height your payload can drop and hit the ground safely. input the height in the "Free fall height" and press calculate.

Calculate

Step 2: Choosing Canopy Shape

The canopy is the part of the parachute made of fabric that inflates and creates drag. Canopies come in many shapes and vary in both performance and efficiency. Use the selector box to choose your Canopy shape (Hemisphere, Elliptical, etc.).

Step 3: Calculating Parachute Surface Area | Diameter

Payload Weight (Kg):

Air Density ρ (Kg/m³):

Drag Coefficient:

Spill-Hole Radius Compared to Parachute Radius (0%~90%): %

Spill-Hole Diameter (cm):

Descent Velocity (m/s):

Parachute Surface Area (m^2):

Parachute Diameter (cm): (in):

In this step input the weight of your payload and the descent speed you desided based on the previous steps. A Spill-Hole is a hole cut out in the top of the parachute it insure a more stable parachute. It's advised to input a 10% spill-Hole and up for a more stable parachute. The bigger the spill-Hole the more stable but the less drag the parachute will produce and the bigger the parachute area calculated. After changing all the inputs press calculate to get your designed parachute diameter and surface area. At this step you can go and check different model parachute shops. pick a parachute based on the sizing provided by ParaCalc. If you are interested in building your own model parachute go to the next step.

Calculate

Step 4: Produce Panels(Gores) Plan

Number of Panels:

To build a 3D shape (in our case the parachute canopy) you need to break that shape to panels (Gores). more panels means better performing canopy. after changing the number of Gores press Export Gore Plan. You now have a blueprint for a single gore with dimensions. Next thing is press print if you want to keep a copy of your blueprint.

Export Gore Plan

About

Hi, I'm Omar. I'm an Engineering student, model parachute builder, and a web developer. This website is my prototype of both parachute and web designing project.