Irvin provides the most extensive range of engineering services to enhance the final product and provide an optimum solution. Services include:

• Fabric Design
• System Engineering
• Systems Analysis
• Mechanical Design
• Control Systems
• Product Testing
• Program Management
• Rigging and packing

Fabric Design
Fabric design is central to all of Irvin's product development. Our engineers are experts in the design and specification of fabrics including broadcloth, tape, webbing, cords, ropes and coated fabrics. Irvin is also expert in the joining of all classes of fabrics to create efficient structures for these dynamic fabric-based parachute systems.

Irvin engineers work with all modern fibers, understand several of the current 'miracle' fibers and constantly track emerging technologies in fibers, fabrics, film and coatings.

System Engineering
Irvin applies extraordinary levels of System Engineering to each project, delivering value to customers from the system engineering process while containing unnecessary costs. System Engineering tools including Integrated Master Schedule/Integrated Master Plan, Specification Compliance, Validation Tracking and Risk Assessment are included in all of our programs.

In addition to the development of internal specifications for fabric, parts and equipment, Irvin's System Engineering process also includes programmatic test plans, test reports, final verification reports and matrices.

More rigorous System Engineering programs such as Technical Performance Measurements, Risk Item Tracking/Database, and Multi-Level Specification Requirements Databases are used as required by the size of the program or when directed by the customer.

Systems Analysis
Multiple stress and structural simulation capabilities are an integral part of Irvin's engineering services.

Parachute Trajectory Modeling and Simulation
Extensive analysis capability exists within Irvin's trajectory modeling and simulation.

Irvin engineers use Monte Carlo simulations to predict and optimize the performance of extraction and delivery systems.

• Irvin's primary parachute deployment, inflation and trajectory application, Decelerator Dynamics (DCLDYN) has its original algorithm roots dating to the Apollo program. Significant capabilities and validation have been added over the years. Irvin's parachute trajectory simulation includes all of the higher order terms of parachute deployment and inflation including:

—Time dependent parachute drag area, including highly nonlinear responses
—Parachute mass growth during inflation
—High order cargo body aerodynamics
—A variant that assesses vehicle reorientation events

• Modeling of aircraft floor for aerial delivery application, including ramp tip-off simulation
• Inputs for variable atmospheres, Earth or off-planet
• Wind profiles
• Temperature/density variations
• Ejection seat modeling with crew acceleration exposure computations
• Deployment forces such as mortar or tractor rocket
• Landing brake parachute modeling for the aircraft
• High quality parachute simulation for coupling with a customer vehicle
•Development of a trajectory Monte Carlo simulation, implemented as scripts, which provide outer loop execution of the basic DCLDYN application, this capability includes:
—Primary model inputs which the user can vary, such as:
a. Parachute drag area
b. Inflation characteristics
c. Vehicle aerodynamics
d. Deployment initial conditions such as airspeed and position
—Flight atmosphere conditions
a. Prevailing winds
b. Density profile

Finite Element Analysis of Metal Parts
Stress and structural linear and nonlinear analysis of metal parts improve designs, reduce costs and shorten time to market for many of Irvin's customers. Irvin's engineers provide quick and accurate linear analysis and a capability for structural optimization in both topology and topography. Irvin has used this analysis to quickly assess potential improvements to baseline designs. These analysis results, further reviewed in product testing, produced significant results in the optimization of the final design solution.

Irvin's expertise also exists in nonlinear analysis of materials and design geometry. Irvin has successfully analyzed load cases with metal parts and their dynamic loading in the parachute deployment train and successfully implemented design changes to compensate for potential load cases.

Fabric Structure and Impact Dynamics Analysis
Irvin's capabilities in the analysis of fabric structures and impact dynamics is unmatched. Irvin's expertise provides analyses and solutions to large deformations found in both fabric structures and fabric impact dynamics. Irvin is the leader in the analysis of impact dynamics with airbags for landing of aircraft and spacecraft.

In the area of inflated structure design, Irvin has advanced the technique of using quasi-steady results from its Finite Element Analysis (FEA) capability. Irvin engineers can analyze the steady state loading conditions and analyze and manage the challenges associated with large deformations of structures, such as the transition from constructed to inflated shape of a fabric structure.

Fluid Structure Interaction
Irvin couples Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Analysis to create a Fluid Structure Interaction (FSI) analysis capability. Irvin engineers were the first to use FSI analysis for parachute engineering solutions. The purpose of these simulations is to analyze systems where the loading mechanism and the structural deformation are linked and largely inseparable. The parachute is the perfect example of this application. Irvin provides analysis of the shape of the parachute and its interaction with the flowfield as it varies with flight condition; yet the flight condition is dependent upon the performance and shape of the parachute.

Irvin’s water landing analysis accurately predicts landing loads. Irvin is the leading authority for prediction of water landing loads for future manned spacecraft.

Irvin's work with this analysis includes two primary value-added capabilities,
• the simulation of parachute structures in steady state flight.
• the landing dynamics of spacecraft and other vehicles in a water landing condition.

As part of its engineering solutions, Irvin engineers identify, analyze, and correct random glide flight modes of otherwise non-gliding parachute systems.

In the field of water landing, Irvin provides validation analysis comparing landing simulations to test data and can predict landing loads.

Flotation Stability-A Unique Capability
Irvin's flotation stability analysis is unique in the industry providing automated processing of vehicle buoyancy plane and moment. Irvin's FloatStab analysis allows the rapid analysis of basic vehicle shape and augmented shapes, with deployed flotation or stabilization devices for planned and emergency water landings.

Irvin engineers design Attach Release Mechanisms that pilots operate to release the parachute after a Spin/Stall recovery.

Mechanical Design
Irvin's mechanical design expertise includes design of mechanical parts and mechanisms, as well as design of pyrotechnic devices.

Parts and Mechanisms
Metal parts and mechanisms are key elements of all recovery systems. These include metal fittings in the parachute structure, servo actuated devices, adaptive structures to interface with the customer vehicle, parachute compartmentation, and integration with pyrotechnic class controls and actuators.

Irvin's experienced staff is expert in the mechanical design of these critical components. Irvin engineers work with a wide range of tools for stress analysis, including linear, non-linear and topology and topography optimization.

Pyrotechnic Devices
• Parachute Deployment Mortars:
Irvin's proven mortar family capabilities range from parachutes of 1 lb. or less to parachutes of approximately 185 lbs. The average parachute deployment speed is approximately 110 fps, providing excellent penetration of vehicle wake flowfields and results in high deployment reliability. In the 20 to 100 lb. range, multiple mortar designs exist providing flexibility in designing parachute installation.

• Parachute Release Cutters:
Irvin has a wide variety of existing designs for pyrotechnically activated parachute cutters. These are often used for parachute sequencing such as drogue parachute release and main parachute deployment.

• Inflation Systems:
Multiple designs are available for the inflation and pressure control of inflatable structures such as airbags.

• Other Devices:
Door thrusters, drogue guns and tractor rockets are also part of Irvin's design capabilities.

Irvin designs a wide range of reliable parachute control systems for a number of aircraft.

Control Systems
Whether for test, demonstration or production flight, Irvin controllers integrate easily with the pyrotechnic and electro-mechanical class actuators common in recovery systems.

Irvin's controllers fly daily in Spin/Stall Recovery Systems for many customers. These systems control both pyrotechnic and servomotor devices. The integral Built In Test (BIT) systems have both enhanced flight test safety and reduced system maintenance between flights.

In addition, customers can count on Irvin's knowledge of recovery system controller design to support their own design. Our full knowledge of BIT integration and pyrotechnic device safety and testing are available to support our customers controller design and development requirements.

Product Testing
Irvin's test capabilities are unique in the industry. Irvin's engineers are fully versed with all aspects of product testing from seam and joint element testing through highly complex, supersonic wind tunnel testing. Irvin's experience and knowledge base ensures that tests are conducted with the precision required to validate product performance to federal standards. Test capabilities include:

Tensile Test
Irvin's computer controlled tensile test machines are capable of testing the lightest sewing threads up to the highest tensile elements. This test capability is also used for parachute seam and joint testing to validate and verify assumptions made in our Design Analysis process.

Flight Testing & Qualification of Parachute Systems
Irvin's flight testing and parachute system qualification is unsurpassed in the industry. Irvin's engineers regularly design and conduct parachute flight tests with payloads ranging from 2 lbs. up to 4,500 lbs. in weight. Irvin can configure any required weight or mass property. Irvin's test equipment includes programmer parachutes, time delay cutters and electronic sequencers that enable Irvin engineers to conduct testing at the highest fidelity possible. Irvin's experienced team conducts all aspects of aircraft drop testing including drop zone control, load masters and test jumpers. Irvin also has proven experience working with a number of government agencies in the design and execution of drop tests with payloads up to 42,000 lbs. in weight. Irvin has developed the technology which will double the delivered weight.

Irvin maintains dedicated test and drop facilities in several locations to accommodate and respond to various customer requirements. Typical test measurements include video, photo and on board instrumentation (loads, pressure, altitude, acceleration and GPS). Design enhancements and modifications are made on site as part of Irvin's continuing product development. Rigging and packing tables are also on site to facilitate training and the development of procedures. Several delivery aircraft are available for parachute testing including Otter, Skyvan, B-25, C-123 and L-39. Dummy, live testing, test vehicles with a wide range of payloads are available and utilized as part of the parachute test and qualification. Depending on requirements, several drop zones are available with locations in Eloy, Yuma, and Kingman Arizona and Lake Elsinore, California.

Airbag Drop Testing
Irvin engineers are expert in scaled and full-scale testing of airbag landing systems. Local drop test facilities are available for testing of scaled and full scale vehicle models to 4500 lbs. depending on vehicle geometry. Other facilities are available for larger size and weight vehicles up to and including 50,000 to 60,000 lb. weight class and full scale spacecraft/aircraft geometry.

Irvin engineers are fully versed in the scaling of test results and relevant scaling laws. Irvin has published detailed comparisons between scaled testing and full scale simulation.

Water Landing Systems
Irvin is expert in the testing of water landing systems, including direct entry and airbag landing attenuation for water landing. Irvin engineers are fully conversant in requirements for full scale testing and the application of sub-scale testing for both water entry and post landing flotation and stability.

Environmental Testing
Irvin conducts a full range of environmental testing of components and recovery systems. Qualification tests include:
• Vibration and Shock
• Thermal
• Vacuum
• Thermal/Vacuum
• EMI/EMC
• Explosive Atmosphere
• Sand and Dust
• Salt Fog
• Rain Environment
• Impact Testing

Acceptance Testing
Irvin engineers are fully versed in the development and execution of acceptance tests for a specific component or part. Tests are developed and reviewed with the customer during program execution. Equally important, the procedures and test articles are typically maintained and updated over the life of the product.

A new product that requires additional tests typically results in an update to the acceptance test, resulting in further observation of that product feature for future years.

Installation Testing
As required, Irvin provides detailed installation and checkout procedures. These are often finalized in the field as Irvin engineers complete equipment installation on the aircraft or system. Recovery system installation, checkout procedures, and detailed packing instructions are completed with the operator technicians during a hands-on training process.

Out year support, including an "Aircraft On Ground" class response is available for customers that require that level of support.

Wind Tunnel Testing
Irvin engineers design and operate a wide range of wind tunnel tests ranging from low speed to full size tests in the NASA AMES tunnel through supersonic scale model testing in the AEDC Transonic Tunnel.

Data Collection
Irvin employs the finest data collection and analysis tools. Irvin's test vehicles are typically instrumented with field computers collecting data at rates up to 5,000 Hz. A typical instrumented drop will measure 3 axis accelerations, riser loads, pitot/static pressure, and vehicle inclination. The drop also includes an on board camera to film deployment events. Data collected is typically available for review within two hours of the test.

Program Management
Irvin's experienced managers provide customers extensive and thorough program management ensuring each program meets identified objectives.

Irvin recognizes that effective project management is one of the key elements required to ensure successful execution of any project. Irvin has a team of experienced Project Managers who prepare a detailed report of cost, schedule, and technical performance on a regular monthly basis. This cost, schedule and technical performance reporting can be a method to achieve significant cost improvement.

Irvin routinely utilizes schedule management tools such as MS Project to develop an Integrated Master Schedule and then monitor and track progress.

Irvin tracks costs using the Deltek Costpoint program, selected because of its heritage and acceptance by government cost agencies.

In addition to tracking against the agreed contract cost, the Irvin Program Manager regularly assesses progress against each Work Breakdown Schedule (WBS) item and compares the expenditures against the work completed. This data is presented via Estimate to Complete / Estimate at Complete reports. These data, when combined with the progress tracking and the Integrated Master Schedule allows Earned Value to be assessed and reported.

Irvin has an established supplier base to support its engineering and large-scale manufacturing operations. All suppliers of parts and materials are assessed against Irvin requirements before being entered onto an Approved Vendors List.

This system provides regular cost reporting and tracking. Vital information, such as labor hours and purchase orders, can be obtained via the database. Stock control functions can be accessed and used to track materials and purchased parts.

Configuration Management
Irvin has a well-established Configuration Management program, documenting over 85 years of parachute design and manufacture. Configuration control is used to manage all changes to design and documentation throughout the life of a product, from the initial release of sketches for sample manufacture to the final Technical Data Package.

Rigging and Packing
Irvin maintains a full parachute rigging and packing capability that includes packing tables, rams for pressure packing and an autoclaving capability. These capabilities allow pressure packing of decelerator systems to world-class packing densities. Packing tables can be configured to provide a clear run of over 280 feet of table length allowing the largest parachutes to be rigged and packed.

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