The size distributions of fragments ejected at a given velocity from impact craters
โ Scribed by John D. O'Keefe; Thomas J. Ahrens
- Publisher
- Elsevier Science
- Year
- 1987
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 391 KB
- Volume
- 5
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0734-743X
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โฆ Synopsis
The ma,~ distribution of fragments that axe ejected at a given velocity for impact craters is modeled to allow extrapolation of laboratory, field, and numerical results to large-scale planetary events. The model is semi-empirical in nature and is derived from (I) numerical calculations of cratering and the resultant mass versus ejection velocity, (2) observed ejecta blanket particle size distributions, (3) an empirical relationship between maximum ejecta fragment size and crater diameter, (4) measurements and theory of maximum ejecta size versus ejscta velocity, and (5) an a,~umption on the functional form for the distribution of fragments ejected at a given velocity. This model implies that for planetary impacts into competent rock, the distribution of fragments ejected at a given velocity is broad, e.g. 68% of the mass of the ejecta at a given velocity contains fragments having a mass less than 0.1 times a mass of the largest fragment moving at that velocity. The broad distribution suggests that in the impact process, additional comminution occurs after the initial shock has passed. This additional comminution produces the broader size distribution in impact ejecta as compared to that obtained in simple brittle failure experiments.
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