Laser Simulations of the Destructive Impact of Nuclear Explosions on Icy and Iron Asteroids

Abstract

We present the results of our experiments at the Luch laser facility in which the processes of the destruction of iron asteroids and cometary nuclei in space by nuclear explosions on their surface are simulated based on the principle of physical similarity. We present the results of our numerical simulations of impacts on the surface of iron objects confirming the similarity of the key processes in the full-scale and model cases. The technologies of fabricating miniature mockups with parameters close to those of iron asteroids and cometary nuclei are described. For various mini-mockups 3–12 mm in size at a laser energy from 50 to 450 J we provide an experimental estimate of the energy threshold for the undeniable destruction of mockups and investigate the parameters of their fragmentation. Conclusions about the probable results of the impact of a nuclear explosion on hazardous cosmic objects have been drawn.