Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1991
Title: The Innovations of Burton G. Cour-Palais: Pioneering Hypervelocity Impact Shields
Introduction: Burton G. Cour-Palais, an inventive mind based in Houston, TX, has made significant contributions to the field of aerospace technology with his innovative patent for a hypervelocity impact shield. As a key player in protecting spacecraft and other structures from debris impacts, Cour-Palais's work showcases the intersection of engineering and cutting-edge invention.
Latest Patents: Cour-Palais holds one patent titled "Hypervelocity Impact Shield." This invention focuses on the development of a shield designed to protect wall structures, such as those of spacecraft, from high-speed impacts with debris. The hypervelocity impact shield features a combination of ultra-thin sheets made from impactor disrupting material. These sheets are strategically arranged to handle impacts from particles with densities up to 2.7 g/cm³ and velocities reaching 16 km/s. Notably, the design ensures that impacting particles are subjected to successive shock impacts, which lead to their thermal state being either completely melted or vaporized, thus preventing any perforation of the wall structure.
Career Highlights: Burton G. Cour-Palais is affiliated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), where he contributes to advanced research in material science and aerospace engineering. His work enhances the longevity and safety of spacecraft, making significant strides in the protection against cosmic debris.
Collaborations: Throughout his career, Cour-Palais has worked closely with his coworker Jeanne L. Crews. Their collaborative efforts have fostered an environment of innovation, allowing for the cross-pollination of ideas that lead to the development of cutting-edge technologies in impact protection.
Conclusion: Burton G. Cour-Palais stands out as a noteworthy inventor in the realm of protective materials for aerospace applications. His hypervelocity impact shield represents a critical advancement in safeguarding spacecraft against the risks posed by high-speed debris. Through his inventive contributions and collaborations, he continues to impact the future of aerospace protection technologies.