LAUSR

Abstract The responses of polyimide film hypervelocity impacted by aluminum micro–flyer are studied through numerical and analytical methods. By combining the conservation equations (mass, momentum and energy) with Rankine-Hugoniot and Mie-Gruneisen equations, a mathematical solution formula for flyer hypervelocity impact on film is obtained. This analytical model gives a function of impact conditions and material properties of flyer/film, and can be used to evaluate the velocities and energies of the flyer/debris cloud. A non–dimensional empirical equation for the penetration hole caused by the flyer is also established. Results of the theoretical calculation are in good agreement with the numerical simulation. Then, the double–films impacted by the micro flyer are investigated and two damage patterns on the rear film, namely central penetration hole and adjacent fracture zone, are identified. Finally, using the design of experiment technique and the response surface method, a predictive model for the damage range of these two patterns is proposed.