Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Asteroids; Explosives; Modeling; Orbital Dynamics; Planetary Defense

Abstract

"While asteroid deflection has been studied for the past half century, efforts have generally been directed towards methods that attempt to minimize disruption of the rock body. In order to widen the base of research, a fracture energy-based model of asteroid fragmentation was developed and applied to both asteroid scale and lab testable scale cases. Modeling of the orbital case suggests the capability to deflect a 100 meter diameter asteroid on a 10 year timescale. The model's predicted energy transfer is then compared to laboratory testing using a ballistic pendulum. The results of this testing suggest that the model as described overestimates the efficiency of energy transfer into momentum. However, further approaches are suggested that might improve model accuracy as well as energy transfer efficiency"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Pernicka, Hank
Gertsch, Leslie S.

Committee Member(s)

DeMars, Kyle J.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Aerospace Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Fall 2016

Pagination

viii, 55 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 53-54).

Rights

© 2016 James A. Veerkamp

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Asteroids -- Dynamics
Asteroids -- Safety measures -- Computer simulation
Asteroids -- Collisions with Earth

Thesis Number

T 11056

Electronic OCLC #

974715828

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