Impact Resistant Composite Structures for Space Suit Applications

Composites Automation (CA) and partners University of Delaware Center for Composite Materials (UD-CCM) and ILC Dover, propose to evaluate innovative composite material and structure concepts that improve impact performance for space suite hard composite components. A systematic experimental screening methodology in Phase I, followed by detailed design and assessment in Phase II. Material innovations evaluated in this effort include hybrid laminate constructions, interlayers and thin-ply composite laminates; as well as potential synergistic combinations. A Low-Velocity Impact (LVI) protocol will be used in combination with leak resistance checks to evaluate concepts and guide composite design. A two-stage methodology is proposed with initial screening of concepts under equivalent conditions for comparative assessment, followed by performance limit assessment (maximum impact energy with no leak).