Numerical Modelling of High-Speed Loading of Periodic Interpenetrating Heterogeneous Media with Adapted Mesostructure

Abstract

A series of calculations has been conducted to study the high-speed interaction of space debris (SD) particles with screens of finite thickness. For the first time, taking into account the fracture effects, a numerical solution has been obtained for the problem of high-velocity interaction between SD particles and a volumetrically reinforced penetrating composite screen. The calculations were performed using the REACTOR 3D software package in a three-dimensional setup. To calibrate the material properties of homogeneous screens made of aluminum alloy A356, stainless steel 316L, and multilayer screens, methodical load calculations were carried out. The properties of materials have been verified based on experimental data through systematic calculations of the load on homogeneous screens made of aluminum alloy A356, stainless steel 316L, and multilayer screens comprising a combination of aluminum and steel plates. Several options for the numerical design of heterogeneous screens based on A356 and 316L were considered, including interpenetrating reinforcement with steel inclusions and a gradient distribution of steel throughout the thickness of an aluminum matrix. The study has revealed that the screens constructed as a two-layer composite of A356/316L, volumetrically reinforced composite screens, and heterogeneous screens with a direct gradient distribution of steel in the aluminum matrix provide protection for devices from both a single SD particle and streams of SD particles moving at speeds of up to 6 km/s. SD particles were modeled as spherical particles with a diameter of 1.9 mm made of the aluminum alloy Al2017-T4 with a mass of 10 mg.

The Use of Boron Fibers and Particles for Creating Functionally Graded Material Based on Ti64 Using the Laser Additive Manufacturing Method

“…The application of TMCIR in the aerospace industry to provide effective protection against various external factors on the spacecraft body is a promising direction [10]. In [11,12], the impact of boron particle additives (up to 5 wt.%) in the titanium alloy Ti64 on the selective laser melting process was investigated.…”

Editorial for Special Issue: Recent Advances in Space Debris

“…The importance of experimental facilities is also addressed in [2], where the authors introduce advances in the technologies currently employed in hypervelocity testing. Both the complexity and the advantages of numerical simulations are well addressed in [3]; the authors describe the analysis of heterogeneous materials subjected to impacts and present the simulation of single-and multiple-space-debris impacts. To quantitatively assess the survivability of spacecraft structures after impact, ballistic limit equations are often employed; these represent a fundamental tool in the risk assessment and design of spacecraft protection.…”