Hypervelocity impact testing of tethersAn experimental test program has been conducted to ascertain the strength losses to which representative space tether materials may be prone upon impact by hypervelocity particles of known size, density, and velocity, when the tether is under tensile loading typical of flight design loads. Twelve hypervelocity impacts were followed by tensile tests to failure to determine residual strength; relationships are established between particle velocity and strength loss due to impact damage, as well as between tether strength loss and the relationship between particle and tether diameters. Tentative design criteria are formulated in terms of a design factor allowing for strength degradation by impact.
Document ID
19890056032
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Woodis, William R. (NASA Martin Marietta Corp. Denver, CO, United States)
Tallentire, Francis I. (Martin Marietta Corp. Denver, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Ground Support Systems And Facilities (Space)
Meeting Information
Meeting: Intl. Conference on Space Tethers for Science in the Space Station Era