Numerical study on the rotation of meteoroid fragments during their separation in the atmosphere

Abstract

An algorithm for solving adjoint aerodynamic and ballistic problems is proposed to investigate a flight of a system of bodies in the atmosphere, taking into account their relative movement and rotation. The algorithm is used to study the separation of two identical bodies of rectangular shape with the account of rotation. Rotation leads to the separation of the bodies not only under the acting pushing aerodynamic force, but also under additional lateral force due to the angle of attack of the bodies. The separation velocity of two rotating meteor fragments may increase up to three times comparing to the calculations where it is assumed that bodies do not rotate. This study was carried out in order to estimate the influence of various factors on the separation velocity of meteoroid fragments after destruction of a parent body and the change of their trajectories after fragmentation.An algorithm for solving adjoint aerodynamic and ballistic problems is proposed to investigate a flight of a system of bodies in the atmosphere, taking into account their relative movement and rotation. The algorithm is used to study the separation of two identical bodies of rectangular shape with the account of rotation. Rotation leads to the separation of the bodies not only under the acting pushing aerodynamic force, but also under additional lateral force due to the angle of attack of the bodies. The separation velocity of two rotating meteor fragments may increase up to three times comparing to the calculations where it is assumed that bodies do not rotate. This study was carried out in order to estimate the influence of various factors on the separation velocity of meteoroid fragments after destruction of a parent body and the change of their trajectories after fragmentation.