Damage characteristics of a cenosphere/aluminum matrix composite stuffed shield under hypervelocity impact

Plenty of space debris are produced by human in space. They are a threat to the normal operation of in-orbit spacecrafts. So, it is necessary to develop a new material shielding structure with a good protection performance. Here, the impact properties of a cenosphere/aluminum matrix composite stuffed shield were investigated. Then, some data related to impact damage were obtained, and they were compared with those of a whipple protection structure using solid aluminum stuffed shield. On this basis, the feasibility of cenosphere/aluminum matrix composite material as a protection material for spacecraft was evaluated.