Hypervelocity Impact Damage Characteristics in Armored Space Radiator Tubes.
Abstract
Described herein are the results of an exploratory experimental research program to determine the damage that might be inflicted on space radiator configurations by the impact of a meteoroid. The meteoroid hazard is discussed, and the present knowledge of crater formation under conditions of hypervelocity impact is analyzed The experimental program was conducted under NASA contract on the ballistics range facilities of the General Motors Corporation Defense Research Laboratories in Santa Barbara, California. Glass projectiles of approximately 0.018 and 0.040 gram were accelerated to velocities of 23,000 to 26,000 feet per second and impacted against unfilled radiator tube configurations in vacuum. Variables such as tube liner thickness, tube inner diameter, armor thickness, operating temperature, and angle of impact were considered for aluminum and columbium alloy targets. Significant differences between hypervelocity impact into flat plates and into aluminum and columbium tubes were observed. The limited results indicated that internal surface dimpling and spalling, as well as perforation, may be important considerations in radiator tube design.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- ADA310281
Entities
People
- A. R. Mcmillian
- Nestor Clough
- Seymour Lieblein
Organizations
- Glenn Research Center