Parachute Shape and Airflow Measurement System

To address the Army need for a system that can simultaneously measure a parachutes shape and the airflow velocity around an entire parachute system during an airdrop, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Parachute Shape and Airflow Measurement (PSAM) system. It is based on full-field imaging and optical wavefront measurement techniques. Specifically, the innovation in implementing a full-field light camera will enable PSAM to capture an entire light field comprising 3D data on the canopy shape and the angle information on the incoming rays, the directions of which are changed by airflow. Advanced image processing techniques allow extraction of 3D canopy coordinates and relative airflow velocity. This innovative system design makes the system applicable for safely testing a variety of parachute systems. Thus, the PSAM system enables us to supply true data for verification and validation of models used for design and development of airdrop systems. In Phase I, POC will determine the technical feasibility of accurate full-field mapping of canopy shape and airflow, perform a trade-off analysis to determine the best approach for a system, and develop a preliminary design. In Phase II POC will develop an operational PSAM system, and reach technology readiness level (TRL)-5/-6.