Thermal modeling of space debris via Finite Element Analysis

The study of space debris is of critical importance to all space-faring nations. The characterization of debris objects through means of passive imaging techniques would allow for further studies into the origination, specifications, and future trajectory of debris objects. The long-wave infrared waveband is a potential candidate for the observation of space debris. However, in order to simulate and study the radiance of these objects on long-wave infrared detectors, assumptions have to be made regarding the radiative energy incident upon the object, which determines the temperature of the object. The purpose of this investigation is to study the steady-state radiative thermal equilibrium temperature, temperature transients, and object temperature as a function of time, for varying cuboid-type space debris objects. Conclusions are made regarding the aforementioned thermal analysis as a function of debris orbit, geometry, orientation with respect to time, and material properties.