Aerodynamic and fluid-structure interactions of multiple parachute canopies

Parachute systems with multiple parachutes or parachute clusters may involve aerodynamic and fluid-structure interactions between parachute canopies. Such interactions can occur between two separate parachutes when they come close to each other. They can also occur between the canopies of a cluster of parachutes. We present results for the interactions involving two separate round parachutes in close proximity to one another. In this case we study the effect of the separation distance on the aerodynamic interactions and, investigate the fluid-structure interactions for two parachutes with given initial relative positions. We also present results for the aerodynamic interactions between the canopies in a cluster of parachutes, where we study the effect of varying the number and arrangement of the canopies.