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Two‐dimensional numerical modeling of the Rheasilvia impact formation
Author(s) -
Ivanov B. A.,
Melosh H. J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
journal of geophysical research: planets
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2169-9100
pISSN - 2169-9097
DOI - 10.1002/jgre.20108
Subject(s) - impact crater , asteroid , ejecta , geology , eulerian path , shock (circulatory) , axial symmetry , shock wave , lagrangian , physics , geometry , mechanics , astrobiology , mathematics , astronomy , theoretical physics , medicine , supernova
We numerically modeled the formation of Rheasilvia crater, an enormous impact basin centered on asteroid 4 Vesta's south pole. Using a trial and error method, our models were adjusted to produce the best possible fit to Rheasilvia's size and shape, as observed during the Vesta orbital stage of the Dawn mission. The final model yields estimates of the shock wave decay, escaped material volume, depth of excavation, and other relevant characteristics, to the extent allowed by the two‐dimensional (axially symmetric) approximation of the Simplified Arbitrary Lagrangian Eulerian hydrocode. Our model results permit interpretation of the Dawn data on Vesta's shape, topographic crater profiles, and the origin of the Vestoid asteroid family as escaped ejecta from the Rheasilvia crater.