Hyper Velocity Impact - Damage Assessment System (HVI-DAS)

A device is proposed that can track the electrical charge dispersion that is created when hyper velocity impact (HVI) occurs between two entities with a closing velocity greater than 1 km per second. This same device can measure the time of arrival of the charge wave front at transducers placed throughout the vehicle. Using the known speed of light minus the reactive effects of the skin of the vehicle on the "charge", the system can calculate the exact point of impact. Further, the nature of the charge dispersal wave front contains critical information as to the damage incurred as a result of the HVI. This information along with AE waveforms will be tested and analyzed to determine signatures for various types of damage created by HVI events.

The primary NASA applications for the HVI Assessment System include determining damage to the ISS and other space vehicles. Specifically, this includes ISS pressurized modules, ISS non-pressurized structures (radiators, solar array masts, external equipment, externally stored equipment), satellites, deep space manned spacecraft (MPCV, etc.), and crew return vehicles that may be docked at the ISS for extended periods.

Private space companies can benefit from damage location and assessment systems residing on their spacecraft for assessing damage during launch, orbit, parking at the ISS, and return to earth. Satellites (communication, science, military) could also benefit from this capability in order to help assess damage, evaluate cause, and determine remaining useful life after impacts occur.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 3) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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