Cascades /Cascated lines

[Acoisa 0]

Are Cascades the part of the line where a line "splits up in two lines?
Like C to C and D?

[riggerpaul 1]

Quote

Are Cascades the part of the line where a line "splits up in two lines?
Like C to C and D?

yes

[Acoisa 0]

thanks!

[riggerrob 558]

Yes, cascades are where the A line joins the B line.

That is because you need dozens of line attachment points to keep the bottom skin of the canopy smooth, but only two attachment points to the harness. Try thinking of the risers as a collection of cascaded suspension lines.

Cascading lines reduces weight, bulk and drag on the lower lines.

[d123 1]

What would happen if we cascaded more lines like 2A or 2B together or 2 AB once more? Something like the power-kites & paragliders have.

Lock, Dock and Two Smoking Barrelrolls!

[riggerrob 558]

How many lines you cascade becomes a balancing act between strength and flying characteristics.

For example, many reserves cascade all the A and B lines together except for the center cell. They leave the center A lines and center B lines continuous. Continuous A and B lines only contribute a tiny increase in drag, but double strength of the center cell to help the reserve survive hard openings.

Remember that the center cell is the first part - of most canopies to open - ergo, the center cell takes the greatest shock loading early in the opening sequence.

[d123 1]

Thanks Rob and just out of curiosity:
In your opinion changing the location of the cascade would influence the flight characteristics?
(Considering that when we flare we swing in front of the wing changing the weight distribution between lines)

Regards,
Jean-Arthur Deda.

Lock, Dock and Two Smoking Barrelrolls!

[riggerrob 558]

Changing location of cascades IMPROPERLY can ruin openings and make landings miserable.

However, when done properly - by factories or skilled Master Riggers - changing cascades has no affect on openings or landings.