Capture of hypervelocity particles in aerogel: in ground laboratory and low earth orbit

摘要: We have investigated in the laboratory capture aerogel (density 92.5 +/- 0.5 kg m(-3)) of small particles travelling at (5.1 0.2) km s(-1). The used were soda glass spheres and irregularly shaped olivine iron particles, with mean diameters range 75-355 microns. measured impact site for each particle, characterised by diameter entrance hole aerogel, minimum maximum radii damaged region surface around hole, length track caused passage particle into aerogel's interior, captured (if seen) found near end track. For type we establish relationships between observed parameters pre-impact size. find that processes resulting features interior are different. also shape (spherical/irregular) does not unduly influence penetration depths aerogel. studied effects non-normal incidence on angle can be reconstructed to within +/-2 degrees. compare obtained data four a sample flown Low Earth Orbit board EuReCa spacecraft. density one is predicted (1776 346) m(-3). Using ability reconstruct direction probable nature shown micrometeoroids retrograde trajectory.