Engineering Launch Methods for Non-Spherical Hypervelocity Projectiles

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Engineering Launch Methods for Non-Spherical Hypervelocity Projectiles

D. Rodriguez / D. Wentzel / M. Sandy / D. J. Henderson / A. Pardo / J. E. Miller / E. L. Christiansen / B. A. Davis / R. J. McCandless

Abstract

The use of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) in modern satellites has led to a significant amount of space debris, including fragments of CFRP and high-density metals such as steel and copper, produced during catastrophic breakup events. To address this issue, NASA's White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) has been developing the capability to launch "flake-like" and long "needle-like" projectiles. WSTF tested projectiles with different length-to-diameter ratios (L/D), impacting aluminum Whipple shields with thermal blankets on the outer surface, at velocities exceeding 6 km/s. The results of the study suggest that launching and imaging shaped projectiles at high velocities is feasible. Ongoing research is now focused on improving the techniques for launching and imaging shaped projectiles under hypervelocity conditions.

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Document information

Title :

Engineering Launch Methods for Non-Spherical Hypervelocity Projectiles

Contributors:

D. Rodriguez (author) / D. Wentzel (author) / M. Sandy (author) / D. J. Henderson (author) / A. Pardo (author) / J. E. Miller (author) / E. L. Christiansen (author) / B. A. Davis (author) / R. J. McCandless (author)

Publication date :

2023

Size :

10 pages

Type of media :

Report

Type of material :

No indication

Language :

English

Keywords :

Chemistry , Engineering , Hypervelocity , Launch methods , Non-spherical , Projectiles