Abstract Hypervelocity space debris impacts can lead to degradation of satellite performance and, in extreme cases, might cause a total loss of a spacecraft. The increase in space debris population provides the motivation for this study, which focuses mainly on the mechanical behavior of space-qualified polyimide Kapton films impacted by simulated hypervelocity debris. Kapton is used extensively on spacecrafts, especially in thermal control blankets. Kapton films 25, 50, and 125 μm-thick were studied at different impact velocities of up to 2900 m·s–1 generated by a laser driven flyer (LDF) system. The Kapton-impacted sites revealed ductile-type fractures for low-velocity debris, which changed gradually into mixed ductile–brittle fractures with crack formation when debris impact velocity was increased. Fractures created by impacts at velocities above 1700 m·s–1 showed central impact regions which experienced the highest strain rate and revealed a ductile-type fracture, while the outer regions which experienced a lower strain rate failed through brittle cracking. A model explaining this phenomenon, based on the temperature profile developed within the impacted region at the time of impact, is presented.
GROUND SIMULATION OF HYPERVELOCITY SPACE DEBRIS IMPACTS ON POLYMERS
2006-01-01
13 pages
Aufsatz/Kapitel (Buch)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Ground Simulation of Hypervelocity Space Debris Impacts on Polymers
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