The paper formulates a scientific problem and presents a methodology of parachute clusters aerodynamic design. It analyzes experimental studies of the parachute clusters in the wind tunnels carried out in Russia and abroad. Based on the joint implementation of the reliability computation and continuum mechanics methods, methodology of the parachute bundle aerodynamic design is synthesized. The paper briefly describes selection of the numerical computation methods and techniques in simulating the parachute formation, as well as aerodynamics of the separated flows. A specialized set of computer programs is developed. Comparing results of the numerical computation and the experimental data, the proposed methodology is tested. The paper for the first time identifies reasons for an increase in the parachute stability in a bundle and explains a decrease in the system total drag compared to a single parachute.

EDN FUCLRU