Pattern in ejecta curtain generated by the impact into granular targets of various sized particles and application to the ejecta curtain observed in the Hayabusa2 impact experiment

Abstract

We conducted impact experiments using targets composed of particles with size distributions and projectiles with a size larger than or comparable with the maximum size of particles in targets. The pattern and particle concentration in the ejecta curtain were investigated. The results show three types of ejecta curtain features: (i) filament pattern extending throughout the entire curtain and high concentration, (ii) filament pattern and low concentration, and (iii) mesh-like pattern with a structure on smaller scales than the entire curtain and low concentration. When the target consists of particles using a bimodal size distribution with size differences of more than one order of magnitude, the filament pattern appears, exhibiting case (i). If the target consists of particles with various sizes with size differences of more than one order of magnitude, the filament pattern appears, but the concentration decreases, appearing the features of case (ii). Case (iii) occurs when the target consists of particles with a single size or when the mass of particles with a certain size is dominant. Thus, the size distribution of the particles in the targets determines the pattern and particle concentration in the ejecta curtain. Based on these results, we confirm that the pattern in the ejecta curtain caused by the impact of the Small Carry-on Impactor (SCI) in the Hayabusa2 mission showing case (i) is consistent with the evaluated sizes and masses of grains and boulders in the ejecta curtain. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.].