main menu
about us


Hydrocodes are a useful visualization tool, because they allow us to view and measure physical parameters that occur in just microseconds. By "slowing down" the impact in a hydrocode simulation we can analyze the event in discreet timesteps. Here are some interesting QuickTime movies of actual hydrocode simulations:

  • Oblique Particle based model
    Illustrates the perforation of a thin aluminum bumper, impacted by a cylinder, and the resulting debris cloud. Symmetry allows for a simplification to be made: only half the model is analyzed! This is an EXOS simulation visualized using CEI Ensight.

  • Perforation of a thin bumper
    Illustrates the perforation of a thin Whipple shield bumper, and the resulting debris cloud. This is an EXOS simulation.

  • Crater formation
    Illustrates the formation of a crater in a thick aluminum plate by a 3 mm projectile at 7 km/s.

  • Highly oblique impact angle
    Illustrates an impact by a projectile at an angle of about 60° into a semi-infinite aluminum slab.

  • Perforation of a thin bumper
    Illustrates a normal impact of a spherical projectile into a thin Whipple shield, and the resulting debris cloud. The model follows the debris cloud propagation through the Whipple rear wall, and into the witness plate located behind it.

    For more information about QuickTime visit the Apple web site or click the button below to download the free software for Windows PCs or Macs.



  • main menu | about us


    Site Updated: 22-Feb-06
    Curator:  Jim Hyde
    Notices: What You Need to Know About NASA JSC Web Policies
    Responsible NASA Official:  Eric Christiansen

              Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science NASA Home page JSC Home page