Numerical Analysis of Debris Cloud Formation in UHMWPE Wavy Plates during Hypervelocity Impact

This paper presents and analyses the numerical results of hypervelocity impact against ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) plates with four different surface wave profiles. UHMWPE wavy plates (WP) are intended to be used in Whipple Shield bumper plate, which is of paramount importance for space vehicles against micro-meteorite and orbital debris (MMOD) impact protection. Numerical work was carried out as a hybrid combination of smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and finite element modelling (FEM). Circular plates were subjected to hypervelocity impact of a spherical aluminium projectile travelling at 3000 m/s. The outcomes of the simulations were analysed in terms of debris cloud generation, projectile fragmentation, and impact energy dissipation performance of wavy plates, and compared with a conventional flat counterpart. Results of this study indicate that surface wave profile has a clear positive influence in terms of hypervelocity impact protection performance.