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Advancing Space Debris Protection with Fiber-Metal Laminates (FML)

Project description

Next-gen fibre-metal laminates to protect spacecraft from debris impacts

Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SPACE-FML-PROTECTION project seeks to create a new generation of lightweight and effective fibre-metal laminates (FMLs) for improved protection of spacecraft against hypervelocity impacts (HVIs) from space debris. To do so, it will develop a shield of aluminium alloys coupled with high-performance fibres (fabric) that exhibit auxetic properties. The fabrics will be positioned in optimal layer sequences within the FML structure to limit dispersion and improve energy absorption during impact. Advanced computational simulations will be used to model and analyse the behaviour of the FMLs under HVI conditions. Finally, experiments will be conducted at a hypervelocity impact facility to validate the computational models and optimise the FML design.

Objective

This research project, SPACE-FML-PROTECTION, focuses on the creation of new fiber-metal laminates (FML) to improve spacecraft protection against hypervelocity impacts (HVI). The project focuses on improving the performance of traditional monolithic aluminum bumpers while maintaining the same overall thickness and weight. To do so, it will investigate the use of aluminum alloys combined with high-performance fibers such as Xtegra® fabrics, which exhibit auxetic properties. These fabrics will be arranged in an optimized layer sequence within the FML structure to minimize dispersion and improve energy absorption during impact. To ensure the success of the project, advanced numerical simulations using a hybrid Finite Element Method-Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (FEM-SPH) framework will be employed to model and analyze the behavior of the FMLs under HVI conditions. Experimental validation will be carried out using a gas gun and a hypervelocity impact facility to validate the numerical models and optimize the FML designs. The results will be used to develop a ballistic limit equation to predict the critical debris size that the armor can withstand. In addition, a whole life cycle assessment (LCA) will be conducted to evaluate the environmental impact of new FMLs compared to existing shielding systems. This multidisciplinary approach is expected to result in a new generation of lightweight and effective shielding materials for spacecraft, improving their protection from space debris while minimizing environmental impact. The results of the project will have important implications for the aerospace industry, potentially reducing manufacturing costs and improving the safety and longevity of space missions.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III DE MADRID
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 209 914,56
Address
CALLE MADRID 126
28903 Getafe (Madrid)
Spain

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Region
Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

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