We present a parallel computational strategy for carrying out 3-D simulatio
ns of parachute fluid-structure interaction (FSI), and apply this strategy
to a round parachute. The strategy uses a stabilized space-time finite elem
ent formulation for the fluid dynamics (FD), and a finite element formulati
on derived from the principle of virtual work for the structural dynamics (
SD). The fluid-structure coupling is implemented over compatible surface me
shes in the SD and FD meshes. Large deformations of the structure are handl
ed in the FD mesh by using an automatic mesh moving scheme with remeshing a
s needed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.