Determining loads on small space debris trap's load-bearing frame in case of hypervelocity impact

Abstract

The main aim in designing of space debris protective systems for spacecraft is providing effective shielding of the protected object with the least mass of the structure. This requires reliable data about loads acting upon the trap's load-bearing structure when a small space debris fragment impacts the shield. The paper examines hypervelocity impact on the shield of the transformable space debris trap which consists of the load-bearing carbon fiber reinforced plastic frame and protective shields made of flexible composite material. Hypervelocity impact is modeled in the Ansys Autodyn sof tware using Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics method. We examined shield impact in three areas - center of the shield, and near attachment points. In each simulation case, we obtained reaction force - time response in attachment points of the protective shield towards the load-bearing frame. It was shown that interaction of debris with the shield caused creation and propagation of spherical waves with amplitudes going down as the distance from the impact point increased. On reaching the shield's edges reflected waves were created and their interference observed. It was established that the largest force affected upon the load-bearing frame when debris impacted the shield near attachment points.