Hypervelocity particle penetration in multi-layered thermal blankets

Abstract

Micrometeoroid and related hypervelocity particle impacts into 0.04-sq m samples cut from Scheldahl G411500 thermal blankets (STB) covering trays D05 and D07 in the NASA-LDEF satellite are characterized in detail. These impacts usually produced unique penetration features that generally consist of a delamination zone extending tens of penetration-hole diameters, separating the Teflon layer from the silver/Inconel film and the paint backing layers. When viewed from the space-facing side, the penetration holes are usually surrounded by rings or concentric halos within the delamination zone and radial cracks extending from the ejecta-rim surrounding the hole to the edge of the delamination zone. The phenomena responsible for the formation of these features are examined.