Orbital debris momentum transfer in satellite shields following hypervelocity impact, and its application to environment validation

This paper describes a technique for estimating the momentum enhancement (K factor) after impact of orbital debris into dual wall shields using the SPHC hydrocode by measuring the velocity in the plates following impact after various normal and oblique impact conditions. By understanding the mass and shield characteristics of a satellite, the technique can be used to compare actual satellite altitude changes to changes predicted by the orbital debris environment, and thus validate the environment.