Study of reducing the congregating effect of honeycomb structure on debris cloud. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fa-wei, Ke; Huang, Jie; Xue-zhong, Wen; Sheng-yu, Zou; Zhao-xia, Ma; Sen, Liu
• Is Part Of: Acta astronautica. Volume 170(2020)
• Page Start: 145
• Page End: 153
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Debris cloud -- Honeycomb structure -- "Y" structure -- Hypervelocity impact; Astronautics -- Periodicals; Outer space -- Exploration -- Periodicals; Astronautics; Periodicals; 629.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2019.11.010
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-5765

Abstract

Abstract: Aluminum honeycomb has been used widely on the spacecraft, as it has high strength mass ratio and good designability. In order to reduce the channel effect of honeycomb core, the multiple "Y" structures are proposed as the stuffing of the sandwich structure and the bracing structure of fabric layer respectively, and the compression tests are finished. The congregating effect of the "Y" structures on the debris cloud is validated by the hypervelocity impact test. The projectile diameter is 5 mm, and the impact velocities range from 3.9 km/s to 4.3 km/s. According to the test results, the "Y" structures adhered on the plate have certain stability and could play the bracing role, and they can reduce even eliminate the congregating effect on the debris cloud, however, their yield strength is lower compared with the aluminum honeycomb structure of equivalent areal density, which could be solved by structure optimum. The study results provide reference for improving the honeycomb structure used on spacecraft shield. Highlights: "Y" structure is designed to eliminate channel effect of honeycomb core. Compression and hypervelocity impact test validate the design idea. "Y" structure has roles of bracing structure and dissipating energy.