Methods:

Joint Testing

Joint: "a location where a component is sewn or connected to another component"

Joint Factor: "a 'loss in joint strength…relative to the basic material strength' that occurs when 'textiles are connected to each other or to metals.'”

A joint, by definition, is the location where two components are sewn together, being regarded as a weak point. This method of testing analyzes the strength of these joints . to obtain the joint factor, which is The ideal situation would have the stitcehs stitches break before th ematerial the material itself, showing that the material's strength is being used at its fullest.

" In most cases, the joints being tested are sewn. Occasionally, components are joined with a looped connection or tied. Joints between textiles and the spacecraft structure (typically metal pins) are also tested using accurate interface geometry." Tests are meant to analyze one joint at a time.

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Since we do not have one of these machines, a modified version using our Instron machine would be advised to perform these tests.

Fore more specific testing procedures and designs go to pages 9-12: For an in depth look of joint testing check out: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20150003409/downloads/20150003409.pdf

Extra info: https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/abs/10.2514/6.2017-4200#:~:text=A%20parachute%20joint%20is%20defined,called%20seam%20and%20joint%20testing.