Abstract

Simulation of Hyper-Velocity Impact of a Micro-Particle on Layered Shield Configurations

Author(s): Govind G and Sunil C. Joshi

A Numerical investigation is carried out to assess the performance of layered shield configurations against hypervelocity impact of a micro-particle nominally travelling at the velocity of a 7.3 km/s. Most micro-particles in space either consist of or possess characteristics similar to aluminum, float glass, and steel particles. Therefore, these three materials are used in this numerical investigation as impactors shielded by a layered configuration. A two-foil shield configuration is modelled using aluminum as the first and Ti-6Al-4V as the second bumper foils. The simulated impact scenarios have consistent dimensions with the micro-particle diameter, the first foil thickness and the second foil thickness measuring 47μm, 8μm, 15μm respectively. The numerical analysis of the impact events was performed using smooth particle hydrodynamic processor in AUTODYN hydrocodes, and the material modelling was accomplished using an equation of state with constitutive strength and the cumulative damage model. The present studies have shown that the layered shield configuration considered can be effective against the impact of aluminium and float glass micro-particles. A one mm thick, Ti-6Al-4V plate, however, is additionally needed into the shield configuration at 5 mm distance from the second foil to withstand the impact of rigid micro-particles, such as of steel.