## What are Skydiving Parachutes Made Of?
When you think of skydiving, you probably picture the brave souls who leap out of airplanes with nothing but a parachute to keep them safe. But what exactly is a parachute made of that allows it to slow down a falling person and bring them safely to the ground?
### Materials Used in Skydiving Parachutes
Skydiving parachutes are typically made from a combination of lightweight and durable materials. The most common materials used include:
– Ripstop Nylon: Ripstop nylon is a lightweight, tear-resistant fabric that is commonly used in the construction of parachute canopies. It is made by weaving thin reinforcing threads into the fabric at regular intervals, creating a grid-like pattern that helps to prevent tears from spreading.
– Kevlar: Kevlar is a synthetic fiber that is five times stronger than steel on a weight-for-weight basis. It is often used in the construction of parachute lines and harnesses due to its high strength and low weight.
– Nomex: Nomex is a flame-resistant meta-aramid fiber that is used in the construction of parachute risers and suspension lines. It is lightweight, strong, and resistant to heat and abrasion.
– Dacron: Dacron is a polyester fiber that is often used in the construction of parachute canopies. It is lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture.
### Canopy Construction
The canopy of a skydiving parachute is the large, fabric surface that creates drag and slows down the faller. Skydiving canopies are typically made from ripstop nylon and are constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes. The most common canopy shapes include:
– Round: Round canopies are the oldest and most basic type of skydiving parachute. They are easy to fly and offer good stability, but they are also relatively slow and have a high drag coefficient.
– Cruciform: Cruciform canopies are shaped like a cross and offer better performance than round canopies. They are faster, more maneuverable, and have a lower drag coefficient.
– Ram-Air: Ram-air canopies are inflated by the air rushing into the canopy as the jumper falls. They are the fastest and most maneuverable type of skydiving parachute, but they are also more difficult to fly.
### Lines and Harnesses
The lines of a skydiving parachute connect the canopy to the harness that the jumper wears. The most common type of line is made from Kevlar, which is strong and lightweight. The harness is typically made from a combination of Kevlar and Nomex and is designed to distribute the force of the landing over the jumper’s body.
### Safety Features
Skydiving parachutes are equipped with a number of safety features to help protect the jumper in the event of an emergency. These features include:
– Reserve Parachute: Every skydiver carries a reserve parachute in case their main parachute fails. The reserve parachute is typically smaller and less maneuverable than the main parachute, but it is still capable of slowing down the jumper and bringing them safely to the ground.
– Automatic Activation Device (AAD): An AAD is a device that automatically deploys the reserve parachute if the jumper loses consciousness or is otherwise unable to deploy the main parachute manually.
– Cut Away System: A cut away system allows the jumper to detach themselves from the main parachute if it becomes entangled or fails to open properly.
### Conclusion
Skydiving parachutes are complex and sophisticated pieces of equipment that are essential for the safety of skydivers. They are made from a combination of lightweight and durable materials and are equipped with a number of safety features to help protect the jumper in the event of an emergency.