BUMPER DEBRIS CLOUD STRUCTURE ESTIMATED BY SHOCK CALCULATIONS

A relatively simple shock analysis is developed for hypervelocity impact onto spacecraft bumpers. The example treated is a copper disc striking aluminum. The shape of the debris cloud scales with the impact velocity and is determined only by the shock impedances of the projectile and bumper materials. The bumper and projectile debris clouds separate. The peak bumper debris velocity exceeds the impact velocity ; the peak projectile debris velocity is equal to the impact velocity. The differential motion of the front and rear of the projectile cloud causes spall in the projectile