Hypervelocity Impact Multiple-Hit Detection (HIM-D) System

FreEnts High-Velocity Impact Multiple-Hit Detection (HIM-D) system uses a simple but innovative technique employing a low-cost passive fiber-optic grid and opto-electronic detectors to measure the initial hit points of extremely high velocity impacts. The HIM-D system has the ability to rapidly time-stamp and record the data detected from thermal radiation originating in the fiber ends as the impacting materials penetrate and react with the fiber material. The impact kinetics processes raises the temperature of the vaporized end of the penetrated fiber. The HIM-D detectors located on both ends of each of the X-Y grid fibers allows for the unique location of multiple hits. The detections are passed to a telemetry system for transmission to the ground. Approved for Public Release 15-MDA-8169 (20 March 15)