Numerical simulations of hypervelocity impacts to defend against small bodies

Millions of small bodies have been observed in the solar system, with frequent and violent collisions during their formations and evolutions. Small bodies entering the earth’s neighborhood are recognized as Near Earth Objects, which are likely to impact the earth and cause disaster to humans. A kinetic impactor could be one of the most effective and feasible solutions to defend against such threats. Therefore, understanding the hypervelocity impacts on small bodies is of great importance. In this paper, a new hydrocode THU-SPHSOL has been developed, based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method. With numerical simulations, the effects of material properties and structures on asteroid disruptions have been investigated, as well as the ejecta distribution from a cratering impact. The results should provide guidance for the future asteroid defense mission of China.