Two-Dimensional Computer Simulation of Hypervelocity Impact Cratering: Some Preliminary Results for Meteor Crater, Arizona (open access)

Two-Dimensional Computer Simulation of Hypervelocity Impact Cratering: Some Preliminary Results for Meteor Crater, Arizona

A computational approach used for subsurface explosion cratering was extended to hypervelocity impact cratering. Meteor (Barringer) Crater, Arizona, was selected for the first computer simulation because it is one of the most thoroughly studied craters. It is also an excellent example of a simple, bowl-shaped crater and is one of the youngest terrestrial impact craters. Initial conditions for this calculation included a meteorite impact velocity of 15 km/s, meteorite mass of 1.67 x 10/sup 8/ kg, with a corresponding kinetic energy of 1.88 x 10/sup 16/ J (4.5 megatons). A two-dimensional Eulerian finite difference code called SOIL was used for this simulation of a cylindrical iron projectile impacting at normal incidence into a limestone target. For this initial calculation, a Tillotson equation-of-state description for iron and limestone was used with no shear strength. Results obtained for this preliminary calculation of the formation of Meteor Crater are in good agreement with field measurements. A color movie based on this calculation was produced using computer-generated graphics. 19 figures, 5 tables, 63 references.
Date: June 1978
Creator: Bryan, J. B.; Burton, D. E.; Cunningham, M. E. & Lettis, L. A., Jr.
System: The UNT Digital Library