## What Does the Word “Cell” Mean in the Skydiving Canopy?
When skydivers talk about their canopies, they often refer to the “cells” in the fabric. But what exactly are cells, and what do they do?
In this article, we will explore the different types of cells in skydiving canopies, and discuss their function and importance.
## What Are Cells?
Cells are the individual compartments that make up the fabric of a skydiving canopy. They are typically square or rectangular in shape, and they are sewn together to form the overall shape of the canopy.
The size and shape of the cells can vary depending on the design of the canopy. Some canopies have large cells, while others have small cells. The number of cells in a canopy can also vary, but most canopies have between 200 and 400 cells.
## Types of Cells
There are two main types of cells in skydiving canopies:
Open cells are not sealed at the edges, which allows air to flow through them. This type of cell is more breathable and comfortable to fly, but it also provides less lift and stability.
Closed cells are sealed at the edges, which prevents air from flowing through them. This type of cell provides more lift and stability, but it is also less breathable and comfortable to fly.
## Function of Cells
The cells in a skydiving canopy serve a number of important functions, including:
Providing lift: The cells in a canopy create lift by catching the air as it flows over them. The shape and size of the cells can affect the amount of lift that is generated.
Stabilizing the canopy: The cells in a canopy also help to stabilize the canopy by preventing it from collapsing or ballooning. The number and shape of the cells can affect the stability of the canopy.
Controlling the canopy’s speed: The cells in a canopy can also be used to control the canopy’s speed. By opening or closing the cells, the pilot can increase or decrease the amount of drag that the canopy creates. This allows the pilot to control the canopy’s speed and altitude.
## Importance of Cells
The cells in a skydiving canopy are essential for the canopy’s performance. The size, shape, and type of cells can all affect the canopy’s lift, stability, and speed.
When choosing a skydiving canopy, it is important to consider the type of flying that you will be doing. If you are looking for a canopy that is comfortable to fly and provides good breathability, then you may want to choose a canopy with open cells. If you are looking for a canopy that provides more lift and stability, then you may want to choose a canopy with closed cells.
### Choosing a Canopy Cell Size
The size of the cells in a skydiving canopy can also affect its performance. Smaller cells generally provide more lift and stability, while larger cells provide more breathability and comfort.
The following are some general guidelines for choosing a canopy cell size:
Small cells (less than 100 square inches): These cells provide the most lift and stability, but they are also the least breathable and comfortable to fly.
Medium cells (100-150 square inches): These cells provide a good balance of lift, stability, and breathability.
Large cells (150 square inches or more): These cells provide the most breathability and comfort, but they also provide the least lift and stability.
Ultimately, the best way to choose a canopy cell size is to try out different canopies and see what works best for you.
## Conclusion
The cells in a skydiving canopy are essential for the canopy’s performance. The size, shape, and type of cells can all affect the canopy’s lift, stability, and speed.
When choosing a skydiving canopy, it is important to consider the type of flying that you will be doing and the size of the cells that you prefer. By choosing the right canopy, you can ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable skydiving experience.
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