Ejecta from LPSO-type Magnesium Alloy Plates in Hypervelocity Impacts and Its Application to Space Debris Bumpers

Abstract

After aluminum alloy A2017-T4 spheres with a diameter of 3.2 mm struck LPSO-type magnesium alloy plates at an impact velocity of 3 km/s, ejecta size distribution and scattering area were examined in detail. A two-stage light-gas gun at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)/Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was used for impact experiments. Forward ejecta from targets were decreased using fiber fabrics. A possibility of LPSO-type magnesium alloy plates to space debris bumpers were discussed.