Nonisotropic Model of Microdebris from Impacts with Complex Targets

Microdebris particles generated by hypervelocity impacts between complex projectiles and ballistic missile targets can affect sensitive components of such aerospace systems. Current models assume an isotropic dispersion of this microdebris about the postimpact debris cloud center of mass. Data collected from recent tests indicate that a nonisotropic microdebris dispersion model is needed. The results are presented of a study aimed at improving the capabilities of an existing model that characterizes the microdebris environment created in a high-speed impact. Following a review of test data collection techniques, a nonisotropic microdebris dispersion model is developed as a series of modifications to the existing microdebris size distribution model. Relevant test data are then used to evaluate the proposed nonisotropic model. It is found that the modified model is more correct in accounting for the microdebris fragment population created in a high-speed impact than the current isotropic dispersion model.