System and Method for Detecting Hit Locations Using the Time Domain

A time domain detection system to measure and report on hypervelocity impacts HVI between an interceptor vehicle and a target vehicle;

• wherein,
• said time domain detection system comprises
• a target vehicle components installed on said target vehicle,
• a one or more panels arranged on a portion of said target vehicle at a potential HVI locations, and
• a hit detection system wired into said one or more panels;
• said target vehicle components comprise at least said hit detection system, and a lines;
• said one or more panels are wired into said hit detection system with said lines;
• said hit detection system is configured to communicate with said one or more panels over said lines;
• said one or more panels can each comprise a one or more detector panel layers, and a two or more insulator layers;
• said two or more insulator layers comprise at least a top insulator layer and a bottom insulator layer of said one or more panels;
• said one or more detector panel layers comprise at least a first detector panel layer;
• said two or more insulator layers comprise at least a first insulator layer and a second insulator layer;
• said top insulator layer is arranged over said first detector panel layer;
• layers of said one or more panels continue such that each said one or more detector panel layers comprises an insulator below and above itself;
• the last layer of said one or more panels comprises said bottom insulator layer;
• each of said one or more detector panel layers comprise at least one of a circuit path;
• each said circuit path comprise an injection point end and an open circuit end;
• said injection point end are connected to said hit detection system with one of said lines;
• said hit detection system is configured to send a pulse through said injection point end, said pulse is reflected from said open circuit end and back to said injection point end as a return signal;
• said hit detection system is configured to measure a reflection time between said pulse and said return signal and determine if said circuit path is in a nominal or broken condition;
• said hit detection system is configured to send a plurality of said pulse and receive a plurality of said return signal to increase accuracy of measurement and to return information on progressive damage;
• and
• said hit detection system is configured to calculate a missing signal where said return signal does not return to said injection point end.