An investigation into the role of plastic failure in crater modificationThe mechanical stability of an impact crater is analyzed in this paper via a quasi-static, axisymmetric slip line theory of plasticity. The yield model incorporated is Mohr-Coulomb and a simplified rectangular profile is used for the transient cavity. The degree of stability (or instability) is described as a function of internal friction angle, depth/diameter ratio, and a dimensionless parameter. To match the observed slumping of large lunar craters the cohesion strength of the lunar surface material must be low (less than 20 bars) and the angle of internal friction must be less than 2 deg. It is not implausible that these failure strength characteristics are realized by freshly shocked rock.
Document ID
19790055305
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Mckinnon, W. B. (California Institute of Technology Pasadena, Calif., United States)