Analysis of Parameters on the Phase Distribution of Debris Clouds in Hypervelocity Impacts

The phase distribution is a crucial aspect of the debris cloud’s characteristics. Solid-phase fragments maintain material strength and demonstrate superior penetration capabilities, whereas liquid-and gas-phase debris exhibit reduced penetration efficiency but still impose momentum and thermal impact on the rear plate. In this study, the influences of impact velocity v, projectile diameter D, and thickness-to-diameter ratio h/D on the phase distribution were discussed. The results of the orthogonal test indicated that v importantly affected the phase distribution. h/D had a certain influence on phase distribution, although its influence was smaller than that of velocity. Projectile diameter had a minimal effect on the solid phase but did have some effect on the melting and liquid phase. Empirical formulas were derived for h/D and v. Additionally, the phase space was defined and the secondary phase transition of the debris cloud impacting the rear plate was discussed.