On the atmospheric fragmentation of small asteroids

Abstract

It is known, from observational data recorded from airbursts, that small asteroids breakup at dynamical pressures lower than their mechanical strength. This means that actual theoretical models are inconsistent with observations. In this paper, we present a detailed discussion about data recorded from airbursts and about several theoretical models. We extend and improve a theory previously outlined for the fragmentation of small asteroids in the Earth atmosphere. The new condition for fragmentation is given by the shock wave-turbulence interaction, which results in sudden outburst of the dynamical pressure.