Simulation of trunk dummy separation in parachute opening shock test

In this paper, a 3-dimensional dynamic mesh model using ANSYS FLUENT solver associated with 6-DOF solver has been established to simulate the separation of trunk dummy in parachute opening shock airdrop test. Unstructured volume meshes were created in the computational domain, which were updated by smoothing methods and local remeshing methods during deformation. In the simulation, only simplified fuselage model was established while the effects of wing, tail and engine were neglected. Simulation was conducted in airspeed of 650km/h and an altitude of 4km with different dummy initial position and attitude. Results indicate that the dummy performed a triaxial swing as shown in the test video. Comparing to horizontal fixing method, the vertical dummy swung in a smaller amplitude but higher frequency. Additionally, although the states were the same at first, the subsequent motion can be quite different when the released position is only 3 meters differ. As separation is an essential phase in the entire process, the simulation outcome can be connected with the next phase calculation as the initial condition, so that the performance of the life-saving parachute system can be predicted. As the entire process is calculated, the effect of the separation phase on parachute opening shock testing can be decided.