An analytical study was conducted to develop a procedure for determining the deceleration characteristics of vehicles landing on gas-filled bags of various arbitrary shapes. The analysis developed is applicable for landing on planetary or lunar surfaces for sinking speeds that are small compared to the sonic velocity of the gas contained within the bag. For relatively high velocities a light gas such as hydrogen or helium should probably be used. A series of calculations was made for four bag shapes for impact on the earth at seal-level conditions for sinking speeds consistent with descent by parachute to determine how deceleration characteristics were influenced by various factors entering the equations.

A complete reference text to airdrop recovery systems with self-inflating airbags, focusing on analysis, test data, and engineering practicalities Comprehensively covers the fundamental theories, design, matching, and analysis of airdrop recovery systems that include a parachute and self-inflating airbag system Gives step-by-step guidance to aid readers in analyzing and designing their own recovery systems Highlights advanced research programs in the field of airdrop recovery systems, such as simulation and optimization methods.

This excellent book highlights all aspects of the analysis and design of buildings subject to impact, explosion and fire. It is a definitive reference book and contains 10 chapters from a wide international prospective. Three-dimensional finite element and discrete element techniques are included. They are applied to buildings such as the World Trade Center (WTC Twin Towers) and the Federal Building in Oklahoma on the basis of the designers drawings, data and other information. Many small case studies are also included. The book has a comprehensive bibliography and a large appendix providing background analysis and computer subroutines of recently developed programs.