FUNDAMENTALNAYA I PRIKLADNAYA MATEMATIKA

(FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS)

2005, VOLUME 11, NUMBER 7, PAGES 63-71

On bolide flight modelling

B. Ya. Lokshin
Yu. M. Okunev
V. A. Sadovnichy
V. A. Samsonov

Abstract

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One of the interesting applications of a classical problem on movement of a solid body in resistant media is considered which is connected to estimation of trajectories of space bodies such as meteorites in the atmosphere of the Earth (or other planets). One feature of these objects is the absence of their "correct" form. Therefore, description of aerodynamic influence on this body even in the simplest case has some peculiar properties. For the considered model it is established that the rectilinear forward movement of the braking bolide does not exist. At some additional simplifications it was proved that a "steady" curvilinear motion exists. It is shown that aerodynamics can cause much more curvature of a trajectory than gravitation. The analysis of stability of these motions is carried out.

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Last modified: December 14, 2005