Aerodynamic interactions involving multiple parachute canopies

Simulation of airdrop systems using multiple parachutes or parachute clusters may involve the aerodynamic interactions between parachute canopies. These interactions can occur between two separate parachutes when one of them comes close to the other. They 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, and study the effect of the separation distance on the aerodynamic interaction. 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.