Ballistic limit equations to optimize the system for spacecraft protection against micrometeoroids and space debris

The tasks of evaluating the risk of damage and coming up with measures to mitigate it and develop a system for protecting spacecraft (SC) against exposure to high-velocity particles of micrometeoroids and space debris (MM/SD) are of crucial importance. The SC damage risk depends on the properties of structural elements and the rate of flow of high-velocity particles. The ability of any structural element of a SC to withstand an impact of a high-speed particle is known to be described by ballistic limit equations. This paper provides a feasibility analysis of using ballistic limit equations that had been developed to date in order to optimize single-wall and multiple-wall SC protection against MM/SD particles. What is meant by the optimization is a comparison of relative efficiency of different materials configurations of protection against high-speed particles. The paper provides general requirements for ballistic limit equations that are suitable for conducting a comparative analysis of protection against MM/SD. It proposes equations that take into account to the greatest extent possible the various factors involved in the assessment of protection against high-velocity MM/SD particles.