Whipple shield sizing equations

Abstract

Wipple shield sizing equations are given for use in current Space Station Freedom (SSF) Work Package 2 (WP-2) trade study activities. These equations are modifications of the 1969 Cour-Palais predictor equations which were used by McDonnell Douglas to size WP-2 meteoroid and debris shielding for the SSF preliminary design review. Recent hypervelocity impact (HVI) test results have shown that the original 1969 Cour-Palais predictor improperly scales to the particle sizes that the WP-2 shields must be designed to protect against. The original equations have been redesigned to correct this scaling deficiency. Substantial increases to WP-2 shielding weight estimates are indicated by the modified equations. Several possibilities exist, however, to reduce the weight of WP-2 shielding. These equations will be updated in the future as warranted by the results of ultra-high speed (greater than 19 km/sec) HVI tests and further analysis.