An Improved Prediction Model for Spacecraft Damage Following Orbital Debris Impact

摘要

This paper offers a new set of "generic", data-based hole size and crank length prediction models for spherical orbital debris particles impacting multi-plate targets at velocities up to -12 kni/s. The equations are applicable to a wide variety of spacecraft target configurations, but are limited to hole sizes above, but relatively near, the ballistic limit of the impacting particles. Additional work is underway to expand these models to diameters farther above the ballistic limit for the described shield types.