Generally, a parachute composes of thin light- weight fabric, supporting tapes and suspension lines. Nylon, polyester, Kevlar and Nomex fiber types can be used in producing fabric for parachute. The tethers connecting the parachute to back shell are made of Kevlar.

Significant physical properties are demonstrated by the fibers including Kevlar, Nomex types fibers. An example is the strength of Kevlar fibers which is five times greater than steel on an equal weight basis. The toughness and high rigidity are useful to produce engineered textiles where resistance to cut and shock is desired.

Flexibility and weathering resistance of fibers provide interesting features to achieve in aerospace operations. The forces acting upon the parachute following its full expansion are addressed in developing the design of parachute. Typically, these forces can be calculated from the atmospheric density, velocity, parachute drag area and mass (12).

Anti- gravity suits, space suits and parachutes are the few examples effectively serving the aerospace operations. However, there are several others and more could be innovated. Some other examples include the textile articles used as the constituent part of aircrafts, and are known to significantly add in the style, design and construction (13). Traditionally, such components include curtains, upholstery fabrics, wall cover, headrest, sheepskins etc. The items can be tailored for the design and comfort, and for added protection requirements these can be rendered flame retardant.

Today, the textile fibers are significantly recognized for the performance required in specialized applications. The field of technical textiles has gained significant interest in some developing countries. The growers of natural fibers are now looking for developing work in high- performance textiles to serve the places including air craft, space shuttle, health care, automotives, geo construction, transportation and physical protection.

It would undoubtedly be a factual approach to appreciate the significance of an enhanced value addition to produce textiles with an increased return for industrial development in general and for the betterment of country at large.

References

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8. Anon., Space suits, ILC Dover, Home page, www.ilcdover.com .
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10. D. Graziosi; W. Keith Splawn; Jinny Ferl; Amy J. Ross, Evaluation of the rear entry I- suit during desert RATS testing, ILC Dover, LP and NASA- Johnson Space Center, (2006), pp 1- 2.
11. Anon., Parachute- Wikipedia, Home page, http://en.wikipedia.org , accessed July 2, 2008.
12. Anon., Jet propulsion laboratory, Mars exploration rover mission, Home page, http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov , accessed July 2, 2008.
13. 18. W.P. Shepard son, Problems of parachute design and their relation to textiles, WADC, pp 3- 4.
14. Anon., Lantal textiles, Home page www.aerospace-technology.com.

About the Author:

The author is associated with the Textile Department, School of Science of Technology, University of Management and Technology, Pakistan.