The Free Fall Analysis and Simulation Tool (FAST)

The Free Fall Analysis and Simulation Tool (FAST) is designed to bring the power of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to the analysis of the aerodynamics and dynamics of parachutists in freefall. The primary application will be in the design of new free fall equipment and techniques. A key objective of the FAST development will be to provide a highly specialized and very efficient tool that is relatively easy to use by analysts with limited background in aerodynamics and dynamics. FAST will consist of three primary modules: the Aerodynamics Module which contains the CFD element, a Dynamics and Control Module and a Digital Manikin Module, which simplifies the generation of parameter values for the other two modules. The CFD component will implement the Immersed Boundary Method which will greatly simplify grid generation for the end user and ultimately provide a unique capability for dealing with complex body motions. The Digital Manikin will allow the FAST user to simply specify a parachutist’s height, weight and equipment suite and have the surface geometry for CFD grid generation and the mass properties for dynamic analysis automatically generated. Arms and legs will be positioned within bio-kinematic constraints from a graphical display of the manikin.