A ballistic limit analysis programme for shielding against micrometeoroids and orbital debris

A software programme has been developed that enables the user to quickly and simply perform ballistic limit calculations for common spacecraft structures that are subjected to hypervelocity impact of micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) projectiles. This analysis programme consists of two core modules: design and performance. The design module enables a user to calculate preliminary dimensions of a shield configuration (e.g. thicknesses/areal densities, spacing, etc.) for a “design” particle (diameter, density, impact velocity, and incidence). The performance module enables a more detailed shielding analysis, providing the particle size that is “stopped” by a user-defined shielding configuration over the range of relevant in-orbit impact conditions.