Radiator MMOD Shield
Radiator Micrometeorite Protection Layer
The radiator micrometeorite protection layer is a multi-layer barrier comprising an Al 6061 bumper sheet, Nextel ceramic fabric, and a Kevlar backing layer that protects active thermal control fluid channels from hypervelocity particle puncture. Positioned at a standoff distance ahead of the panel face, the bumper fragmentizes incoming impactors into an expanding debris cloud. Protecting these systems presents a distinct challenge because exterior radiators are among the most exposed surfaces, where a 100-year cumulative micrometeorite flux significantly increases penetration probabilities, requiring shield mass to be balanced against radiator thermal performance.
Protective layer shielding radiator fluid channels from micrometeorite puncture
Purpose
Prevent loss of thermal fluid from MMOD penetration of radiator panels
Context
Child of L2-TCS-RAD in the Active Thermal Control System
Principles
- ▸Thin bumper sheet ahead of radiator face fragmentizes hypervelocity impactors
- ▸Standoff distance between bumper and radiator allows debris cloud expansion
- ▸Self-healing fluid additives can seal small punctures automatically
- ▸Redundant radiator panels allow isolation of damaged panels without total loss
Typical implementations
- ▸ISS radiator MMOD shielding design and analysis
- ▸Multi-shock shield concepts for thin-walled structures
- ▸Self-sealing fuel tank technology adapted for thermal radiators
Lunar considerations
- ▸Radiator panels are among most exposed surfaces on Ark exterior
- ▸100-year cumulative MMOD flux significantly increases probability of penetration
- ▸Shield mass must be balanced against radiator panel thermal performance
- ▸Fluid leak detection enables rapid isolation of damaged panel
Specifications
Functional
| primary function | Protective layer shielding radiator fluid channels from micrometeorite puncture |
Physical
| materials | Al 6061 bumper sheet, Nextel ceramic fabric, Kevlar backing layer |
Interfaces
Provides
- MMOD protection for radiator fluid channels
Requires
- MMOD threat assessment and shielding design data
Cite this entry
Lunar Ark Codex. "Radiator MMOD Shield" (L3-TCS-RAD-SHLD). Retrieved 10 September 2026, from https://lunarark.com/entry/L3-TCS-RAD-SHLD
Licensed CC-BY-SA 4.0. You may reuse and adapt this entry with attribution, under the same licence.