Numerical Study on Anchor Head Shapes for Lodging Anchors on Debris Structures for Capturing Space Debris

Abstract

Effects of anchor head shapes on loading anchors on debris structures were investigated through numerical simulations. Johnson-cook model was used in the numerical simulations and the penetration behaviors during harpooning the anchors to flat or tilted targets were analyzed. Three types of anchor head shapes, cone, double bladed and sphere, were employed and their penetration behaviors were compared. It was observed from the results that the minimum penetration velocity of double-bladed head was lower than those of the other head shapes and it indicates that the required kinematic energy for capturing can decrease. However, a small piece was generated during the penetration using the double-bladed head anchor and it can be a new space debris.