FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS AND OPTIMIZATION OF IMPACT HONEYCOMB UNDER MICROGRAVITY

Authors

  • Jian Xu (Corresponding Author) School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, Shanxi, China.
  • XueFang Chang School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, Shanxi, China.
  • Zhen Yang School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, North University of China, Taiyuan 030051, Shanxi, China.

Keywords:

Debris, Honeycomb sandwich, High-speed, Ballistic impact, Kinetic energy, Microgravity

Abstract

This study presents a finite element analysis to simulate the damaging effects of a 20g copper-aluminum alloy bullet in a microgravity environment. We established equivalent finite element models of the satellite structure. The optimal cell thickness (t) and cell width (L) were determined to be 0.10 mm and 5 mm, respectively. Bullets with velocities ranging from 1000 m/s to 600 m/s maintain a speed greater than 300 m/s, which is lethal. Ballistic tests were conducted by firing 20g copper-aluminum alloy bullets from a ballistic gun at an initial velocity of 1000 m/s. We analyzed the damage results and compared them with the simulation outcomes to validate their accuracy. The design of anti-satellite weapons proves effective, showing that a velocity of 900 m/s can successfully cause secondary breakdown of an aluminum panel. These anti-satellite weapons are capable of targeting any structure, including space stations.

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Published

2026-09-28

Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Research Article

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61784/msme3025

How to Cite

Jian Xu, XueFang Chang, Zhen Yang. Finite Element Analysis And Optimization Of Impact Honeycomb Under Microgravity. Journal of Manufacturing Science and Mechanical Engineering. 2026, 4(2): 23-34. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/msme3025.