Parashüüdid

Parashüüdid, or parachutes in English, are devices used to slow the descent of an object or person through an atmosphere by creating drag. They are typically made of strong, lightweight fabric, such as nylon, shaped into a canopy. When deployed, the canopy inflates with air, significantly increasing the surface area and thus the resistance against the air. This resistance counteracts gravity, reducing the speed of descent to a safe level.

The principle behind a parachute is aerodynamic drag. As the object falls, air molecules collide with the surface of the canopy. The larger the surface area and the more resistance the canopy offers, the slower the object will fall. Parachutes are crucial for aviation safety, allowing pilots and passengers to escape aircraft in emergencies. They are also used extensively in military operations for troop and equipment deployment, in sports like skydiving and paragliding, and for delivering payloads from high altitudes, such as scientific instruments or aid supplies.

Modern parachutes often feature sophisticated designs, including steerable canopies that allow the user to control their landing direction. They are packed in a compact manner for storage and are deployed either manually by pulling a ripcord or automatically by a static line or an automatic deployment system. The development of parachutes has a long history, with early concepts dating back centuries, though their practical application and refinement accelerated with the advent of flight.