Computation of the collision of a large asteroid with the primordial earth

The results of calculations of the collision of a large asteroid with primordial Earth are presented. In these calculations primordial Earth is assumed to be a uniform sphere except that a radial variation of density is taken into account. Gravity is considered to be the only force keeping the planet intact. The asteroid is assumed to be a body of uniform density and with a certain incoming velocity. The so called “free particle method” was used for numerical solution of the problem. The shock wave position, area of total destruction, variation of the outer shape, distribution of surface velocity, variation of the pressures the shock front, acceleration of the surface elements, and surface uplift were all calculated for a few different energy levels.