A Possible Analytical Explanation for the Micrometeorite Concentration near the Earth

Author: Murthy, K. R. Ananda

Year: 1966

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Stewart, Homer Joseph

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Aeronautics

DOI: 10.7907/D8XP-4Q06

Abstract

NOTE: Text or symbols not renderable in plain ASCII are indicated by [...]. Abstract is included in .pdf document.

The Keplerian motion of a single particle in a dissipating medium, such as air, is analysed and a theory of micrometeorite capture and resulting orbital lifetime is developed. The equations of motion are derived for a planar, two-dimensional model, and all orbital variables are assumed to be perturbed slightly from their Keplerian values. The equations are then linearized and solved. Then a statistical model of the interplanetary micrometeorite flux is developed in which the distribution of velocities at infinity relative to the earth and masses of the particles are taken into account. The velocity distribution is taken to be [...]. The distribution of the masses is taken as a constant number of particle flux M(m) at infinity. Finally, this statistical model is combined with the theory of capture and lifetime to furnish a possible explanation for the micrometeorite concentration near the earth.

Files