Size Characterization using a Two-Dimensional Approximation for DebriSat Fragments
- Paper number
IAC-16,A6,3,6,x35800
- Coauthor
Mr. Matthew Moraguez, University of Florida, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Norman Fitz-Coy, University of Florida, United States
- Year
2016
- Abstract
DebriSat was a representative LEO satellite subjected to a ground-based hypervelocity impact test. To date, over 120,000 fragments have been collected from the DebriSat test. The debris fragments are being characterized to update satellite breakup models. A significant amount of the collected fragments are slivers and thin plates that analyses have shown can be approximated as two-dimensional (2D) objects while retaining acceptable dimensional characteristics (characteristic length, cross-sectional area). By neglecting thickness, the 2D characterization approach improves processing speed. A 2D imaging system, which utilizes a single camera for automated size characterization, has been developed and tested on both emulated debris fragments and calibrated objects with known dimensions. Testing has indicated results accurate to within 3\% of the actual dimension. The results are repeatable to within 2\% of the nominal dimension. End-to-end size characterization times of less than four minutes per fragment have been achieved. This paper describes the analyses and verification tests performed to validate the 2D approximations.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-16,A6,3,6,x35800.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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