Method and apparatus for evaluating parachutes under load

A system for evaluating parachutes under load, comprising:

• a parachute including a canopy, a plurality of suspension lines attached thereto at one end and a load attached to said suspension lines at the other end therof;
• a plurality of first sensor means attached to said canopy and said suspension lines for measuring localized axial strain and stress measurements;
• a plurality of second sensor means attached to said canopy and said suspension lines for transverse stress measurements and as integration of axial stress/strain measurements for large areas;
• fiber optic network means for interconnecting said pluralities of first and second sensor means to provide sensor outputs;
• transmitter means for receiving said sensor outputs, converting said outputs to electronic signals, modulating said electronic signals and transmitting said modulated electronic signals;
• and
• receiving station means for receiving and processing said transmitted modulated electronic signals.

A method for evaluating parachutes under load, comprising the steps of:

• a parachute including a canopy, a plurality of suspension lines attached thereto at one end and a load attached to said suspension lines at the other end therof,
• attaching a plurality of first sensors to a parachute canopy and suspension lines for measuring localized axial strain and stress measurements;
• attaching a plurality of second sensors to said parachute canopy and suspension lines for transverse stress measurements and as integration of axial stress/strain measurements for large areas;
• interconnecting said first and second sensors to a fiber optic network to provide sensor outputs;
• converting said outputs to electronic signals, modulating said electronic signals and transmitting said modulated electronic signals;
• and
• receiving and processing said transmitted modulated electronic signals.

A system for evaluating flexible structures under strain, comprising:

• a flexible structure having a load attached thereto;
• a plurality of first sensors attached to said structure for measuring localized axial strain and stress measurements;
• a plurality of second sensors attached to said structure for transverse stress measurements and as integration of axial stress/strain measurements for large areas;
• a fiber optic network interconnecting said pluralities of first and second sensors to provide sensor outputs;
• a transmitter for receiving said sensor outputs, converting said outputs to electronic signals, modulating said electronic signals and transmitting said modulated electronic signals;
• and
• a receiving station for receiving and processing said transmitted modulated electronic signals.