Impact gages for detecting meteoroid and other orbital debris impacts on space vehicles.Impacts on space vehicles have been simulated using the McDonnell Douglas Aerophysics Laboratory (MDAL) Light-Gas Guns to launch particles at hypervelocity speeds into scaled space structures. Using impact gages and a triangulation technique, these impacts have been detected and accurately located. This paper describes in detail the various types of impact gages (piezoelectric PZT-5A, quartz, electret, and off-the-shelf plastics) used. This description includes gage design and experimental results for gages installed on single-walled scaled payload carriers, multiple-walled satellites and space stations, and single-walled full-scale Delta tank structures. A brief description of the triangulation technique, the impact simulation, and the data acquisition system are also included.
Document ID
19730049804
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Mastandrea, J. R.
Scherb, M. V. (McDonnell Douglas Astronautics Laboratory Huntington Beach, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 7, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1973
Subject Category
Space Vehicles
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Aerospace Instrumentation Symposium