Effect of the shape of a small object from outer space on its fragmentation in a planetary atmosphere

Model for the Atmospheric Fragmentation and Scattering of a Small Celestial Body

“…The present paper is a continuation of [7][8][9][10][11] and is concerned with developing a physicomathematical model for the breakup of a SCB and estimating the dimensions of the scattering field of the largest fragments using this model. The breakup is understood as the process of macrodisplacement of the fragments of the parental body after its fracture.…”

“…In this connection, predicting the possible consequences of atmospheric entry of a small celestial body (SCB) is of significant interest. 2 Important aspects of this problem are the fragmentation of a SCB and the scattering of its fragments in the atmosphere and on the surface of the planet.At present, a number of computational and theoretical models for the fragmentation stage have been developed using various physical backgrounds (see, for example, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]). A common feature of the models 1 Institute of Experimental Physics, Russian Federal Nuclear Center, Sarov 607190; root@gdd.vniief.ru.…”

“…At present, a number of computational and theoretical models for the fragmentation stage have been developed using various physical backgrounds (see, for example, [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]). A common feature of the models 1 Institute of Experimental Physics, Russian Federal Nuclear Center, Sarov 607190; root@gdd.vniief.ru.…”

“…As a result, the fragmentation is regarded as a single total breakup [2,3] with undeterminable number and dimensions of the fragments or as a sequential avalanche breakup in which the events of gradual reduction in fragment size continuously follow one after another [1,4,5]. Previously [8][9][10][11], we proposed a different model for the sequential fragmentation of a SCB based on the energy criterion of fracture developed using the integral approach of modern fracture mechanics [12]. Therefore, the fragmentation is treated as a discrete process in which the events of gradual fragment size reduction are separated in space and time.…”

“…Since the SCB breakup is preceded by a fragmentation stage, the problem of modeling this stage is of fundamental importance. We adopted the discrete fragmentation model of [7][8][9][10][11] as the most suitable for the following reasons.…”