Three dimensional atmospheric entry simulation of a high altitude cometary dustball meteoroid

Aims. The break-up of a dustball meteoroid is investigated numerically based on fluid dynamics simulations the meteoroid’s atmospheric entry flow. Both thermal and mechanical mechanisms are implemented, in order to investigate disintegration. Methods. A three dimensional model composed thousands small spherical grains was used flow simulation, performed with direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method. each grain were calculated by means discrete element method (DEM), which models contact between grains. By coupling DEM DSMC, during entry. In addition, computations also carried out taking into account incoming heat flux, radiation, ablation. Thus, this methodology able compute as well Results. To test novel multi-physics framework, prototypical meteoroid, namely Draconid simulated. Using typical material properties from literature, compressed due aerodynamic forces roughly half its size immediately after start at 200 km altitude. Later, aerodynamic-induced rotation occured until disintegrated mechanically 120 fact that directly related combination simulation.