Hypervelocity impact damage properties of solar arrays by using two-stage light gas gun

Abstract

Using two-stage light gas gun, we study the hypervelocity impact characteristics of spacecraft key component, solar cell arrays. The damage morphologies in the ground simulation tests match well with those on-situ orbital impacts. The main characteristics of mechanical damage, including the central pit, cover glass shatter zone, and conchiodal spallation, are measured by using a microscope under 20 times magnification. To study the mechanical damage properties in solar arrays, we carry out 15 shots totally, under different impact locations, impact velocities, and particle diameters. Under the condition of impact angel of zero degree, the damage equation of perforation diameter of solar arrays and the damage equation of the diameter of shatter zone in cover glass are developed, respectively. The results show that the perforation diameter and the diameter of cover glass shatter zone are mainly related to the diameter of particle with 2/3 power, while related to the velocity of impact with 1/6 power. Compared with the damage equation in the literature, the damage equations in this article are very suitable for describing hypervelocity impact damage properties of solar arrays used in our country's spacecraft. The results are of significance for our country's aerospace engineering.