UV Rays And Paraglider Canopy Deformation

Abstract

Background/Objectives: This study investigated changes in the paraglider canopy due to exposure to ultraviolet rays through differences in air permeability and chromaticity.

Methods/Statistical analysis: This experiment used the fabric called Nylon 66 Double-Rip Stop 30D(DENIER) used for manufacturing paraglider. In the period and method of experiment, the changes in air permeability and chromaticity were observed according to UV exposure hours by irradiating UV for one week(168 hours), two weeks(336 hours), 3 weeks(504 hours), and 4 weeks(672 hours).

Findings: In the results of this experiment, first, the UV had effects on air permeability of paraglider canopy. Second, the chromaticity of paraglider canopy was gradually changed according to UV exposure hours.

Improvements/Applications: In the conclusion obtained from such results, the UV exposure reduced the airworthiness by having effects on air permeability and chromaticity of paraglider canopy. Thus, the aging of paragliding canopy by UV rays can cause safety problems and malfunction of paraglider by reducing the air permeability, so it would be necessary to improve the certification method of paraglider.