Determining the Velocity of Hypersonic Compact Elements in Ground Testing Plants
Protection of spacecraft from high-speed impact when encountering meteorite particles and man-made debris is currently a pressing issue. This article presents methods for determining the reaction of complex structures to the impact of particles with cosmic velocities. To determine the anti-meteorite resistance of materials and structures and to study the reaction of materials under high-intensity shock loading, schemes are developed for the production and registration of high-speed metal compact elements moving at hypersonic speeds using cumulative explosive throwing devices based on high-power condensed explosives. The use of the ‘hemisphere-cylinder’ shaped lining made it possible to test a shaped charge, consistently forming a steel compact element with a velocity of 6 km/s. The paper presents the results of numerical calculations and experimental testing of such a booster. Using this device, a method for determining the speed of the hypersonic striker pin is developed based on visualization of the head shock wave at the entrance of the striker into water.