Fragment size information from evolution of Shoemaker-Levy 9 impact fireballs
The authors have used the CTH Eulerian shock physics code to perform 2-D and 3-D computational simulations of fragment penetration into Jupiter`s atmosphere and of the resulting fireball growth and evolution. These simulations have shown that information about the fragment diameters at the time of impact can be extracted from the trajectories of the fireballs, the maximum plume heights, and the size of the ejecta blanked. The fireball/plume evolution is dominated by the impact energy that is deposited above 50 km beneath the 1 bar level and is not sensitive to penetration depth. Fragments with diameters of 2-3 km at the time of impact produce fireballs similar to those that were observed, regardless of whether they were a single solid object or a low-density rubble pile. Uniform plume heights imply consistent diameters, but not necessarily equal masses.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratory
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 374824
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9304297--
- Journal Information:
- Bulletin of the American Physical Society, Journal Name: Bulletin of the American Physical Society Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 40; ISSN BAPSA6; ISSN 0003-0503
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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