The Mechanical Properties of Chelyabinsk LL5 Chondrite Under Compression and Tension

Abstract The mechanical properties of Chelyabinsk LL5 chondrite (Chelyabinsk meteorite) were studied by uniaxial compression and diametral compression/indirect tension test. Twenty cylindrical samples, 10 for tension, with the diameter 3.3 mm 1.65 in height have been prepared testing. It was shown that strength tested samples under almost 45 times greater than it is at tension: 372 ± MPa 8.2 0.7 MPa, respectively. Fracture behaviour similar can be characterised as brittle. obtained meteorite lies close to maximal values many other chondrites, whereas its tensile magnitude resides bottom quarter range measurements. may caused small sizes investigated together a large number tiny cracks between grains chondrite. Our estimations if one assumes initial shape fireball spherical or ellipsoidal, then fragmentation stress experimental much lower strength. Hence, state equivalent appearing indirect test could occur during fall Earth atmosphere.