HYPERVELOCITY MICRO-PARTICLE IMPACT ON THIN FOILS

Abstract

Micrometeorite bombardment of thin foils was simulated by a ballistic method of projecting cast iron particles less than 100 microns in size to 12 km/ sec. The Mylar and Testlar target foils tested were prospective balloon satellite materials. Bare and metal coated specimens, 0.5 and 2 mils thick, were included. Perforations were analysed by a photographic enlargement technique particularly adapted for complete survey of exposed target area without gaps or duplications. Statistical distributions of perforation diameters were obtained and matched with a similar distribution of the impacting fragments. Thus, the integrated impact intensity sustained by a particular target was determined. Results are reported in tabular form suitable for evaluation of changes in physical properties of the foils due to meteorite impact. These experimental methods are suitable for studies of impacts on simple metal foils.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 01, 1961
Accession Number
AD0291491

Entities

People

  • J. W. Gehring Jr.
  • L. G. Richards

Organizations

  • Ballistic Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Diameters
  • Explosives
  • Hypervelocity Impact
  • Impact Point
  • Materials
  • Military Research
  • Optical Properties
  • Particle Size
  • Particles
  • Perforation
  • Physical Properties
  • Spacecraft
  • Stainless Steel
  • Terminal Ballistics
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Test Facilities

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Surface Engineering/Surface Coating Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flow
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster