Advanced meteoroid and debris shielding concepts

Abstract

The results of the shielding screening and optimization work conducted at the NASA Johnson Space Center Hypervelocity Impact Research Laboratory (HIRL) are described. The impact tests to investigate and optimize certain aspects of the aluminum mesh double-bumper concept, which was considered the best performer in the screening test, are analyzed. Preliminary results indicate that the aluminum mesh double-bumper concept shows a 30 to 40 percent weight reduction compared to an aluminum Whipple shield in the velocity range study, besides such advantages as an increased resistance to penetration and the fact that the aluminum mesh does not produce damaging secondary ejecta particles. It is suggested that the ballistic protection can be improved even more if an intermediate layer of a high-strength cloth is attached near the rear wall.