REFINED ALGORITHMS FOR STRUCTURAL BREAKUP DUE TO HYPERVELOCITY IMPACT

Fragmentation algorithms for the breakup of complete aerospace structu res from hypervelocity impact have been calibrated to include more tes t data sets over a wide range of initial conditions. This effort has e xtended the applicability and accuracy of this model: Fragmentation Al gorithms for Strategic and Theater Targets (FASTT). FASTT algorithms f or complete breakup threshold, and number/mass, velocity/mass, size/ma ss, and ballistic coefficient/mass distributions are detailed. The dis tributions for simulated fragment velocities and ballistic coefficient s are different from previous versions of this model, and now have a m ore representative semi-empirical basis. These changes have thus impro ved the model for simulations of satellite breakups from debris impact and for missile-interceptor theater-level engagements.