An Imaging System for Automated Characteristic Length Measurement of DebriSat Fragments
- Paper number
IAC-15,A6,1,7,x30288
- Coauthor
Mr. Matthew Moraguez, University of Florida, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Kunal Patankar, University of Florida, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Norman Fitz-Coy, University of Florida, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. J.-C. Liou, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Marlon Sorge, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Thomas Huyhn, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Heather Cowardin, Jacobs Engineering, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. John Opiela, Jacobs, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Paula Krisko, Jacobs Technology, ESCG, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Moises Rivero, University of Florida, United States
- Year
2015
- Abstract
The debris fragments generated by DebriSat’s hypervelocity impact test are currently being processed and characterized through an effort of NASA and USAF. The debris characteristics will be used to update satellite breakup models. In particular, the physical dimensions of the debris fragments must be measured to provide characteristic lengths for use in these models. Calipers and commercial 3D scanners were considered as measurement options, but an automated imaging system was ultimately developed to measure debris fragments. By automating the entire process, the measurement results are made repeatable and the human factor associated with calipers and 3D scanning is eliminated. Unlike using calipers to measure, the imaging system obtains non-contact measurements to avoid damaging delicate fragments. Furthermore, this fully automated measurement system minimizes fragment handling, which reduces the potential for fragment damage during the characterization process. In addition, the imaging system reduces the time required to determine the characteristic length of the debris fragment. In this way, the imaging system can measure the tens of thousands of DebriSat fragments at a rate of about eight minutes per fragment, compared to hours per fragment in NASA’s current 3D scanning measurement approach. The imaging system utilizes a space carving algorithm to generate a 3D point cloud of the article being measured and a custom developed algorithm then extracts the characteristic length from the point cloud. This paper describes the development, implementation, validation, and results of the imaging system used for automated characteristic length measurement of DebriSat fragments.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-15,A6,1,7,x30288.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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