Serviceability of mesh double-bumper shields under the action of high-velocity particles

Results of experimental and theoretical research of hypervelocity impact protection performance of the mesh double-bumper shields are considered. The experimental works with use of powder and light-gas guns were carried out for testing several options of the shields intended for hypervelocity impact protection of a fuel tank of the spacecraft from meteoroids and orbital debris particles. Ballistic limit equations for the mesh shields that showed greater performance in comparison with the mass equivalent Whipple shield are considered.