Project Title:

Novel Composites for Protection Against Orbital Debris

09.05-3200
NAS8-38440
Novel Composites for Protection Against Orbital
	Debris
Foster-Miller, Inc.
	350 Second Avenue
	Waltham, MA 02154-1196
		J. J. Gassner
(617-890-3200)

Abstract:

	This project investigates a unique combination of materials for space bumpers to
counter the threat posed to pressurized vehicles by micro-meteoroids and man-made
orbital debris in space. The material combinations to be examined include planar
composites possessing rod-like reinforcement in the thickness (Z) direction as well
as thin sandwiches of these materials in which Z-reinforced sections are separated
by a layer of low-density foam. A key aspect of this concept is the Z-direction reinforcement,
a dense, low-shock-compressibility metal to assist in fragmenting a projectile and
dispersing the fragments over a wide area. This concept is the small-scale analog
to the use of long-rod penetrators to defeat ground vehicle armor. In this case,
the penetrator rods are stationary with respect to the vehicle and are contained
within an organic matrix composite material, while the material to be defeated is
moving.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications: No commercial applications currently exist for
improved space bumpers per se. However, there may be technology transfer to other
areas where protection at high velocities is sought, including products for law enforcement
agencies and the military.