Hypervelocity Impact Penetration Phenomena in Aluminum Space Structures

All long‐duration spacecraft are susceptible to high‐speed impacts by meteoroids and pieces of orbiting space debris. Damage to critical spacecraft systems caused by such impacts can lead to spacecraft failure and loss of life. In order to develop adequate protection against penetration for crew compartments and other critical spacecraft systems, an aerospace design engineer must possess a full understanding of the penetration mechanics involved in the hypervelocity impact loading of a variety of structural components. This paper describes the results of an experimental investigation of the penetration phenomena associated with oblique hypervelocity projectile impact of aluminum dual‐wall structures. Equations that quantitatively describe these phenomena are obtained through a regression of hypervelocity impact test data. These equations characterize observed penetration phenomena as functions of the geometric and material properties of the impacted structure and the diameter, obliquity, and velocity of the impacting projectile. A review of the test data shows that oblique hypervelocity impact penetration phenomena are strongly dependent on impact obliquity and therefore can differ significantly from those associated with normal high‐speed impacts. It is concluded that the possibility of non‐normal impacts and their effects on structural integrity must be considered in the design of any structure that is to be exposed to the hazardous meteoroid and space debris environment.