Impact sensor network for detection of hypervelocity impacts on spacecraft

With regard to hypervelocity impact detection, a sensor network that can be applied on typical spacecraft structures is under development at Fraunhofer EMI (Emst-Mach-Institut), supported by OHB-System. For impact detection, acoustic transducers are used. The structure types investigated are a 2 mm thick plate from aluminium alloy and a 49 mm thick sandwich panel with aluminium face-sheets and aluminium honeycomb core. One impact test was performed on each of the panels, which were instrumented with 6 ultrasonic transducers. The signals recorded at the various sensor locations varied with regard to peak amplitude and elapse time of the signal. Using this information and combining it with a localization algorithm, the impact location could be successfully determined. A description of the impact sensor network and the mathematical model to determine the impact location is provided. The impact tests on the spacecraft structure, the response of the sensor network and the analysis performed to determine the impact location are described. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.