A numerical simulation approach to the crater-scaling relationships in low-speed impacts under microgravity

The many small-body exploration missions that have occurred over the last few decades shown small solar system objects are covered with granular material of varying depth. These also observed materials mobilized from surfaces at speeds on order escape speed by different contributing mechanisms. Those result in various outcomes including and reimpact. latter contributes to further impact-driven evolution. Despite long history research field planetary cratering, low-speed impacts not been studied extensively under gravity levels relevant small-bodies. Earth-based low-gravity platforms lack ability probe microgravity impact physics for a sufficiently duration collect meaningful data experiments. In overcome these challenges, this study uses discrete-element method (DEM) simulations test cratering 5–50 cm/s microgravity. first presents procedure post-processing raw simulation extract information crater-scaling relationships demonstrates their applicability crater sizes, ejecta properties formation time. implications results discussed light recent missions.