A career in applied physics: Apollo through Space Station

• Published in: International journal of impact engineering 1999-12, Vol.23 (1), p.137-168
• Main Author: Cour-Palais, BurtonG
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aircraft industry. Spacecraft; Applications; Applied sciences; Engineering techniques in metallurgy. Applications. Other aspects; Exact sciences and technology; Mechanical engineering. Machine design; Metals. Metallurgy
• ISSN: 0734-743X; 1879-3509
• DOI: 10.1016/S0734-743X(99)00069-X

This paper is an expansion of the Distinguished Scientist Award presentation made at the 1996 Hypervelocity Impact Symposium at Freiburg, Germany. It details the author's contributions to the research and development of practical meteoroid shielding for the Apollo Project. The work described ranges from the early Apollo design studies, through the Lunar landings to the Skylab project. Later work, pertaining to the protection of the Space Station against the larger sized and more prolific orbital debris environment, is also included. Equations used to determine the penetration resistance of metallic, glass and low-density ablative components are given, along with the rationales for their derivation. A history of the development of the Nextel 1 1 Trademark of 3M Company. ceramic fabric multi-shock shield that is the subject of a joint patent with Ms. Jeanne Crews, is also given. Brief references are made to the use of the Apollo windows as a micrometeoroid detector for environment definition, and also tests and analyses of space suit materials and components.