Phase I is a pilot study, the objective of which is to explore the application of structural ceramics in stand-off shields against hypervelocity impact. For this purpose, several preliminary shield designs will be considered. Each design will be modeled numerically, and computer simulations of a suite of hypervelocity impact events will be performed in an effort to assess shield performance. These computer simulations will be based upon an advanced physically-based model of ceramics which was recently developed by trans-science corporation for application to armor/anti-armor problems. Shield effectiveness will be measured against the performance of standard aluminum stand-off shlelds. The advantages of ceramic-based shields will be delineated and a candidate design will be selected for a more detailed theoretical/ experimental study in Phase II. Stand-off shleld for all long-term spacecraft/satellites.
