Editing Ballute (section)

==Design==
The ballute is an inflatable device used to generate drag.<ref name="JPL2000" /> In terms of its basic configuration, it is a cone-shaped balloon, featuring a [[toroid]]al burble fence (an inflated structure intended to ensure [[flow separation]]) that is fitted around its widest point.<ref name="nasa 1969">{{cite web |last1=Mayhue |first1=Robert J. |last2=Eckstrom |first2=Clinton V. |date=May 1969 |title=Flight-test results from Supersonic deployment of an 18-foot-diameter (5.49 meter) ballute decelerator |url=https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/19690017080/downloads/19690017080.pdf |publisher=ntrs.nasa.gov}}</ref> The burble fence acts to stabilize the ballute as it decelerates through different flow regimes, typically descending from faster (even supersonic) flows into subsonic speeds.<ref name="nasa 1969" /><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.newhaven.edu/_resources/documents/academics/surf/past-projects/2014/anthony-mastromarino-paper.pdf |title = Aerodynamic Study of a Ballute Using Computational Fluid Dynamics |publisher = newhaven.edu |first1= Anthony R. |last1=Mastromarino III |first2=Maria-Isabel |last2=Carnasciali |date = 2014}}</ref> The design of the ballute, particularly its drop-like shaping, make it more suitable for decelerating at extreme speeds than a conventional parachute.<ref name="wiredballute">{{cite web |url = https://www.wired.com/2014/01/bastard-named-ballute/ |title = A Bastard Named Ballute |publisher = wired.com |first = Kristian |last = von Bengtson |date = 30 January 2014}}</ref>[[File:20110430 BurbleFence 000.svg|thumb|Sketch of ballute components]]Ballutes can be categorised into three primary configuration, these being cocoon ballutes that enclose their payloads, attached ballutes that attach directly to the base of their payloads, and towed ballutes that trail after their payloads.<ref name = "JPL2000"/> The isotensoid ballute has been recognised as the standard configuration, although other arrangements have been tested. It has been proposed that ballutes could be arranged in both stacked toroidal and tension cone form factors.<ref name=ss2011/> Some ballute configurations are specialised to certain purposes or industries, such as the aerospace sector.<ref>{{cite book |chapter-url = https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-8348-9911-8_4 |chapter = Ballute Spacecraft Configuration options |first = Hannes |last = Griebel |title = Reaching High Altitudes on Mars with an Inflatable Hypersonic Drag Balloon (Ballute) |publisher = Vieweg+Teubner |date = 2011|pages = 33–43 |doi = 10.1007/978-3-8348-9911-8_4 |isbn = 978-3-8348-1425-8 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://images.spaceref.com/fiso/2016/062916_Bandeau_Clark/Bandeau-Clark_6-29-16.pdf |title = Large Supersonic Ballutes: Testing and Applications |publisher = [[Jet Propulsion Laboratory]] |author = Ian Clark and Erich Brandeau |date = 29 June 2019}}</ref>

By attaching a ballute to an air-dropped object, such as a [[bomb]] or an aerospace payload, it should (provided it is of sufficient size and has correctly deployed) limit its rate of descent, potentially minimising damage to the payload on contact with the ground.<ref name = "nasa 1969"/><ref>{{cite web |url = https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/the-cutting-edge-of-supersonic-ballute-manufacturing/ |title = The Cutting Edge of Supersonic Ballute Manufacturing |date = 12 December 2019 |publisher = [[Copenhagen Suborbitals]] |accessdate = 28 June 2020}}</ref> They can generate a relatively high amount of drag for their mass, making them attractive in weight-constrained scenarios typical to aerospace applications.<ref name = "JPL2000"/>

Inflation of a ballute is typically achieved either by a gas generator or by external air being forced into the structure by an arrangement of ram air inlets.<ref name = "nasa 1969"/> The design of the inflation mechanism is particularly critical to its successful application; if the inlets are too small or too few, the ballute shall not maintain its shape and collapse, while excessive inlet flow likely results in overpressure and raising the risk of bursting.<ref name = "wiredballute"/> Accordingly, the ballute has to be precisely designed to conform with the environmental conditions it is to be exposed to; similarly, the deployment ought to be with similar care, such as in respect to timing. Improper deployment is likely to cause failure, as excessive deceleration forces risk snapping fixing points and tearing fabric; tangling is another potential risk.<ref name = "wiredballute"/><ref>{{cite web |url = https://copenhagensuborbitals.com/droptesting-an-improved-ballute-design/ |title = Droptesting an Improved Ballute Design |date = 11 September 2019 |publisher = [[Copenhagen Suborbitals]] |accessdate = 28 June 2020}}</ref>