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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Preliminary results of the effects of sewing, packing and parachute deployment on material strength. [Kevlar and nylon]

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5336008

Ribbon parachute fabrics were tested during development and production of a 24 ft parachute, and after 2.5 years ambient exposure at several storage sites. The effects of sewing, packing, and parachute deployment on material strength were obtained in the 1000 lb Kevlar ribbon after moisture exposure during packing, and when packed parachutes absorbed moisture or were thermal cycled. Individual yarn samples from the low strength ribbons exhibited little change in strength indicating that the material itself had not degraded. Factors leading to the change in ribbon strength are discussed. Considering all materials, there have been no indications to date of any uncontrollable changes in material strength that would limit the use of Kevlar in parachute applications.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
5336008
Report Number(s):
SAND-83-1753C; CONF-840496-1; ON: DE84006464
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English