P4_2 Parachuting in Tibet

Abstract

It is well known that the density of air decreases with altitude. This article discusses the minimum cross-sectional area of a parachute required for a safe landing on the Tibetan Plateau (4500 m in altitude). We calculated that a cross-sectional area of 34 m2 is needed to limit the deceleration down to a safe 16 G, whereas, at sea level the cross-sectional area needed is only 22 m2.