An eight-degree-of-freedom coupled aerodynamic model for high performance paraglider-harness/pilot systems
Parametric aerodynamics is commonly used to estimate forces and moments in parafoil-payload dynamic models, and extensive data exist in the literature to support these models. However, high-performance paraglider-harness systems have significant differences in geometry and behaviour, and aerodynamic...
| Autores: | , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) |
| Repositorio: | UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:dnet:upcommonspor::4c3fec247486f0aec651862c1a9bd8fc |
| Acceso en línea: | https://hdl.handle.net/2117/462397 https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ast.2025.111440 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Ram-air parachute Lifting line theory Horseshoe vortex method 8 DOF dynamic model Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Aeronàutica i espai::Aerodinàmica |
| Sumario: | Parametric aerodynamics is commonly used to estimate forces and moments in parafoil-payload dynamic models, and extensive data exist in the literature to support these models. However, high-performance paraglider-harness systems have significant differences in geometry and behaviour, and aerodynamic data for these configurations remain limited. Conventional models of parafoil-payload systems sometimes fail to accurately reproduce the geometric features of paragliders, and achieving proper coupling between longitudinal and lateral aerodynamics, which is relevant in many flight scenarios. These limitations restrict designers’ ability to predict paraglider flight dynamics during the early design phase and, therefore, more accurate and dedicated modelling approaches are required. This work couples an eight-degree-of-freedom dynamic model with a Horseshoe Vortex Method (to solve Prandtl's lifting-line theory) enhanced with a viscous drag model to estimate the canopy aerodynamics within the simulation loop and specifically tailored for paraglider-harness/pilot systems. The method naturally accounts for the actual canopy geometry, longitudinal/lateral coupling, and aerodynamic damping effects. Additional improvements include a nonlinear aerodynamic model for the harness/pilot body and a method for estimating line drag based on real setlines data from high-performance paragliders. The model’s capabilities are demonstrated through numerical simulations, which show good agreement with available experimental data. The proposed simulation framework offers a more accurate approach for analysing high-performance paragliders, supporting design optimisation and sensitivity studies prior to prototyping. |
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