Modelling of thin wall perforation limit in debris particles impact on space structures.

Space debris creates a serious problem for Space flights safety in Low Earth Orbits. In this paper, the results of high velocity Space debris fragment interaction with thin metallic shields are presented. The formulas for determining critical thickness of the target preventing from penetration being functions of impactor mass, speed and material properties of both impactor and target are developed. The developed simplified models are supported by results of physical and numerical experiments. • Formula for calculating ballistic limit thickness of the shield is obtained. • Formula for calculating ballistic limit velocity is presented. • New criterion for different scenarios of the high-speed collision is introduced. • For low density impactors the ballistic limit curve is practically monotonous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]