8 typically slower than ,1 km s −1) might differ significantly from what is assumed by current mo... more 8 typically slower than ,1 km s −1) might differ significantly from what is assumed by current modelling efforts 27. The expected equation-of-state differences among small bodies (ice versus rock, for instance) presents another dimension of study; having recently adapted our code for massively parallel architectures (K. M. Olson and E.A, manuscript in preparation), we are now ready to perform a more comprehensive analysis. The exploratory simulations presented here suggest that when a young, non-porous asteroid (if such exist) suffers extensive impact damage, the resulting fracture pattern largely defines the asteroid's response to future impacts. The stochastic nature of collisions implies that small asteroid interiors may be as diverse as their shapes and spin states. Detailed numerical simulations of impacts, using accurate shape models and rheologies, could shed light on how asteroid collisional response depends on internal configuration and shape, and hence on how planetesimals evolve. Detailed simulations are also required before one can predict the quantitative effects of nuclear explosions on Earth-crossing comets and asteroids, either for hazard mitigation 28 through disruption and deflection, or for resource exploitation 29. Such predictions would require detailed reconnaissance concerning the composition and internal structure of the targeted object.
8 typically slower than ,1 km s −1) might differ significantly from what is assumed by current mo... more 8 typically slower than ,1 km s −1) might differ significantly from what is assumed by current modelling efforts 27. The expected equation-of-state differences among small bodies (ice versus rock, for instance) presents another dimension of study; having recently adapted our code for massively parallel architectures (K. M. Olson and E.A, manuscript in preparation), we are now ready to perform a more comprehensive analysis. The exploratory simulations presented here suggest that when a young, non-porous asteroid (if such exist) suffers extensive impact damage, the resulting fracture pattern largely defines the asteroid's response to future impacts. The stochastic nature of collisions implies that small asteroid interiors may be as diverse as their shapes and spin states. Detailed numerical simulations of impacts, using accurate shape models and rheologies, could shed light on how asteroid collisional response depends on internal configuration and shape, and hence on how planetesimals evolve. Detailed simulations are also required before one can predict the quantitative effects of nuclear explosions on Earth-crossing comets and asteroids, either for hazard mitigation 28 through disruption and deflection, or for resource exploitation 29. Such predictions would require detailed reconnaissance concerning the composition and internal structure of the targeted object.
Uploads
Papers