The Study of Aerodynamic Interactions between Meteoroid Fragments

An algorithm is presented for solving conjugate aerodynamic and ballistic problems, which is based on the simulation method with the use of a grid system and allows consideration of a flight for a system of bodies taking into account deceleration, relative motion of the bodies, and rotation. The algorithm is used to study the separation of two identical bodies of rectangular shape with different values of the initial moment of inertia. Rotation leads to the fact that the bodies fly apart not only under the action of a repulsive aerodynamic force, but also due to a lifting force appearing because of body tilt. Additional lateral speed is acquired after the part of the flight of the bodies with significant interference. When rotation is taken into account, the separation velocity of two meteoroid fragments of rectangular shape may increase up to three times in comparison with the situation when it is assumed that the bodies do not rotate. The study is carried out with the aim of assessing the influence of various factors on the speed of separation of meteoroid fragments in order to help with constructing the possible trajectories of meteorites that have fallen onto Earth’s surface.