Abstract:The effect of hypervelocity impacts from micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MOD) on spacecraft materials and structures is discussed in terms of observed flight damage and laboratory simulation tests. Methods of estimating the probability of impact as a function of particle size are presented based on particle distributions and orbital altitude. Two types of damage mechanisms are described: initial impact cratering, and debris plumes emanating from the impact site. Shielding systems currently employed are als… Show more
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.