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We all know what parachutes are for. They are very to make as a science project. However the science behind a parachute is not as easy as you think. There are key factors that you have to consider. Experimenting may take a bit of patience if you intend to study them seriously.

They came in different sizes and designs. For a parachute to able to work in real life, actually takes accuracy and extra caution, after all lives are at risk.

Modern designs have come along way compared to their earlier forms. The very first modern parachute was invented in 1783 but there were also earlier forms. Several individuals have dared to take the leapt to test their designs. Some were successful but some lost their lives due to poor designs and setbacks.

Science behind the parachute

The earlier forms were made of fabric and wooden struts. Most of these were conical shaped. At that time the parachute was only intended for entertainment. It was later on conceived as an escape device two years after the modern parachute was invented.

It was used to get off a hot air balloon. Later developments lead to the use of silk, vented parachute and knapsack parachutes. After successful jumps it was then used in the military during World War I and II.

Nowadays it is more popularly used for extreme sports such as skydiving. The main idea behind it is that the parachute slows down a falling object. It does this by creating a drag or air resistance. When the parachute canopy is deployed the air molecules move farther out creating drag. The more drag that is created the slower the object falls down.

The drag or air resistance depends on the surface area of the object. Parachute canopies have large surface area which creates enough drag for its passenger. Shapes also have an effect on the efficiency of the parachute. Modern designs have rectangular or tapered shapes.

Tapered parachutes are in parachute sports. They have more fabric cells to enable more control and speed. Rectangular ones on the other hand are used for recreation. The safer and more frequently used in training programs for students.

Parachutes must also be packed correctly for it to deploy properly. If the canopy deploys too quickly it may rip and/or hurt the skydiver. The canopy may get tangled with the lines or does not inflate. The lines may also break. Due to this sliders were added in Ram air parachutes to slow down the opening of the canopy.

Modern designs also have

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Parachutes have gone through a lot of developments and use. Its purposes are not just escape devices. After the World War I and II more developments to its design lead it to be used for other purposes such as sports and recreation.

Parachutes are safer than they were decades ago, which garnered the interest of thrill seekers and extreme sport enthusiasts. Although the parachute is the main focus, other accessories such as the pants are also equally important. Parachute pants have also been associated with the 80′s.

The pants are used to go along with the parachute. Other designs include jumpsuits and wing suits. The design depends on its purposes. Companies make different prototypes that can be used in different kind of sports. They are also associated with the clothing trend during the 80′s and MC hammer.

Pants for jumping and breakdancing

Parachute pants are made of ripstop nylon. This type of fabric is water repellent and lightweight. They have interweaving ripstop threads that are reinforced in a crosshatch pattern. This enables the pants to resist ripping or tearing. This type of fabric was also used to replace silk that were originally used in making parachutes in World War II.

These pants can be custom made and are made to fit the wearer. Companies have their own sizing system and use the customer’s measurements to make one. Typically, they have standard features such as elasticized waistband, crocodile closing system, zip front fly and Velcro knee reinforcements. They can be matched with a top.

They also became popular in American culture in the 80′s because of breakdancing. Breakdancers used nylon to make their own trousers and jumpsuits. This enables them to do fast and intricate routines that they call "downrock" without tearing their pants. It also decreases the friction to be able to do speedy moves. The use of nylon and its large baggy cut resembled parachute pants. It was then later on labeled as parachute pants.

They gained more popularity when they were used by hip hop artists. This time they were light weight, loose fitted, and styled with excessive zippers, folds and pockets. The baggy cut and folds creates a visual effect which enhances the rhythm of the dancer’s moves. The pockets are not really usable and are merely used to add another zipper or another superficial feature to the pants. They are designed with bright colors, neon patterns, and Middle Eastern prints which are different from its predecessors made by breakdancers.

These pants went out of style in the