Computational Simulation of the Dynamics of Craters Formed by Asteroid Collisions with Land

Abstract

TheThe process of an asteroid impacting the land is a complex non-linear dynamic process，which is difficult to study by using model tests. Numerical simulation provides an important tool for the analysis of this process. In this study，the large-scale numerical simulation of the dynamic process of the asteroid impacting land was realized initially by using the self-developed software CoSim-DEM based on the discrete element method (DEM). Based on the numerical simulation results，the four stages of the impact process—initial contact，impact excavation, high-speed ejection and adjustment—were simulated；the incidence angle and the dynamic behaviors of the asteroid during the impact process would affect the topographic characteristics of the crater. This study also indicates that large-scale numerical methods can be used to perform the analysis of dynamic process of the asteroid impacting the earth, and provide support for asteroid defense.

Keywords

asteroid / impact crater / discrete element method (DEM) / numerical simulation