On the separation of two meteoroid fragments of different shapes

Abstract

Separation of two meteoroid bodies is studied using modelling method based on a system of grids and solving adjoint aerodynamic and ballistic problems. Bodies of the same mass but different shapes were considered. Calculations were done for different combinations of the cylindrical bodies with their cross sections having a shape of square, elongated rectangular and circle. Initially the bodies were placed near each other on the line perpendicular to the flight direction. The lowest value of separation velocity was obtained for the bodies with circular cross section; the separation velocity is significantly increased for the bodies with elongated rectangular cross section due to rotation. Stable aerodynamic position of the bodies with elongated cross sections occurs when the bodies fly with a large side perpendicular to the flight direction. The lateral velocity acquired by each body appears to be primary determined by its own geometry and show no dependency on the shape of a neighboring body.