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Atmospheric entry heating of micrometeoritesA computer simulation of the atmospheric entry deceleration and heating of cosmic dust particles has been developed and the predicted peak temperatures are compared to the earlier closed-form mathematical solutions of Whipple (195) and Fraundorf (1980). A 20-micron diameter particle of density 1 gm/cu cm having a velocity of 10 km/s at infinity and entering the atmosphere at normal incidence reaches a peak temperature of 1159 K. The duration of the heating pulse is about 8 s but the particle remains within 100 K of the peak temperature for only 1.0 s. As the angle of incidence decreases, the peak temperature reached on entry also decreases, and the duration of the temperature pulse increases. Comparison with the Whipple amd Fraundorf models indicates that they accurately assess the entry heating for cosmic dust particles of moderate or higher densities and entry angles near normal incidence. As particle density decreases or the entry angle nears grazing incidence, they overestimate the peak temperature.
Document ID
19890049175
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Flynn, G. J.
(New York, State University Plattsburgh, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Location: Houston, TX
Country: United States
Start Date: March 14, 1988
End Date: March 18, 1988
Accession Number
89A36546
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG9-257
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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