[meteorite-list] Space station moves to avoid debris

From: Darren Garrison <cynapse_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Sat, 03 Feb 2007 15:44:00 -0500
Message-ID: <8os9s2pr8odao44lghveka81uk2lrggi41_at_4ax.com>

On Sat, 03 Feb 2007 14:38:42 -0500, you wrote:

>I'm "shocked" that such a "meager" device can successfully protect against
>high velocity impacts from debris? Why does it vaporize and not continue
>through?

Particle hits first layer-- explodes into a bajillion pieces (as would you if
you hit something while going at thousands of miles per hout). Much of the
energy from first hit is converted from kinetic to various other things-- heat,
for instance. What kinetic energy continues moving forward is spread out over
many particles. Those many particles may or may not still have enough energy to
punch through another layer. If not, the process stops there. If they do,
they'll lose and spred out energy again in the same way, and be even less likely
to pass through another layer.
Received on Sat 03 Feb 2007 03:44:00 PM PST