Impact of debris particles on space structures modeling

The present paper develops model for evaluating the results of high velocity fragment or bullet interaction with thick metallic structures and thin walled fluid-filled containments. The closed form solution formulas for determining crater depth, radius and ejected mass being functions of impactor mass, speed and material of both impactor and target is provided. The dynamics of impactor deceleration after wall perforation of the fluid filled containment was studied being the function of the depth of perforation under the water level in case the containment was partially filled with water and partially with gas having a distinct fluid–gas interface. The developed models are verified with results of experiments. The obtained solutions are applicable for evaluation of the consequences of high velocity impact on different ground based and space structures and developing concepts for effective shields design. The novelty of the suggested approach to shield design stays in using fluid filled containments for effective energy adsorption.