| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/M05706/01 |
| Title: |
DIRECT MONTE CARLO SIMULATION OF MICRO DEBRIS |
| Principal Investigator: |
Stark, Professor JPW |
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| Department: |
School of Engineering & Materials Scienc |
| Organisation: |
Queen Mary University of London |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 December 1998 |
Ends: |
30 November 2000 |
Value (£): |
97,742
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Eng. Dynamics & Tribology |
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| No relevance to Underpinning Sectors |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Our Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) model, originally developed under SERC grant GR/J 73636 describing the evolution of space debris will be extended to incorporate micro debris particles in the range 10 microns to 1mm. This extension will enhance risk assessment capabilities for future satellite systems with particular improvement in describing non-catastrophic collisions and the general deterioration of satellite exposed surfaces. The current interest in developing more robust thermal control blankets, could benefit from improved prediction methods of risk assessment, given that existing models of the environment underestimate collision rates between micro-particles and surfaces, and thus under-predict the replacement frequency for shuttle windows caused by such collisions. We will adopt the results of our ongoing programme of micro-debris generation mechanisms (partly funded by DERA), to provide a statistical description of micro-particles for inclusion in the DSMC model. Validation of this new model will be achieved by comparison with data derived from returned surfaces. We will use the model to examine the orbital lifetime of micro debris wakes, and the consequential influence these have on the further production of debris via collisions with solar arrays. We will seek to define appropriate design requirements covering micro-particle fluences, which could be adopted for surfaces exposed in specific LEO orbits.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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