Space hypervelocity impact-shielding and microwave absorbing composite composed of cobalt-coated aramid fibers

Abstract

This study explores the development of a space hypervelocity impact-shielding and microwave absorbing composite (SHIMAC) that can simultaneously function as both a microwave-absorbing structure and a shield against hypervelocity impacts of micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD). The multifunctional SHIMAC was implemented using the electrically modified aramid fabric used in bulletproof materials fabricated from radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering to enhance the electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption performance. The SHIMAC composed of a cobalt-coated aramid fiber/epoxy-aramid fiber/epoxy-carbon fiber/epoxy composite exhibited excellent microwave absorption performance in the X-band (8.2?12.4 GHz) with an absorbent layer of a thickness of 2.545 mm. Moreover, electromagnetic wave scattering analysis was conducted with a cube satellite model; the analysis indicated that the proposed SHIMAC can effectively reduce the radar cross section. The hypervelocity impact-shielding performance of the SHIMAC was measured using a two-stage lightgas gun with projectile velocities of 3.1?3.6 km/s. Experimental results indicated that the average specific energy absorption characteristics of the SHIMAC were comparable to those of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The results indicated that the proposed SHIMAC can be employed in stealth satellite systems as a hypervelocity impact shield to simultaneously ensure the structural integrity and stealth performance with strong absorption, low weight, and less thickness.