The Slider and a random thought

[caspar 0]

i was just wondering exactly how the slider works. because we all know what its meant to do and watch it working every jump, but im not sure on the exact specifics. am i right in thinking it:

1)reduces air getting into the nose
2)reduces air hitting the bottom of the canopy
3)stops the lines seperating at the top until speeds have decreased enough, then the canopy is allowed to fully open up.


is that about right or does is it not do all those things?

and now for a random thought, could you have a mesh covering on the nose instead of a slider? not saying its a good idea, just could you do it successfully?

"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading."

[phoenixlpr 0]

Quote

1)reduces air getting into the nose
2)reduces air hitting the bottom of the canopy
3)stops the lines seperating at the top until speeds have decreased enough, then the canopy is allowed to fully open up.

The slider restricts the canopy to spread out to the center cells and restricts the inflation of the canopy for some time. The relative wind keeps it up and the spreading canopy/lines are pushing it down.

[darkwing 5]

mostly #3.

-- Jeff
My Skydiving History

[billvon 3,114]

>is that about right or does is it not do all those things?

It does all those things. It is #3 that gives you a soft opening though.

>could you have a mesh covering on the nose instead of a slider?

Some canopies do just that, mainly to give more stability to the nose profile. I don't think it slows down the opening by 'blocking the air' or anything.

[caspar 0]

thanks for the replies guys. i never really thought about the way a slider actually works until recently. honestly thought its main purpose was to slow air getting to the nose until i sat down and thought about it.

"When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading."