Hoerz, Friedrich — Page 2 | Engineering Papers

NASA NTRS1988

Loss of radiogenic argon from shocked granitic clasts in suevite deposits from the Ries Crater

Five granite clasts from the Otting and Aumuehle quarries in the suevite ejecta deposits from the Ries Crater, Germany, were characterized with respect to modal composition, the degree of shock, and the loss of radiogenic Ar. The results were used to estimate the relative fractions of total crater volume, which were characterized by undisturbed K-Ar ages, partly reset ages, and essentially complete gas loss. The results suggest that the loss of Ar form the Ries suevite samples occurred in a 'hot' post-impact ejecta layer. It was estimated that less than 50 percent of the material composing the hot Ries ejecta should show at least partially reset K-Ar ages; such materials compose no more than 5 percent of the total displaced crater volume.

Bogard, Donald↗

NASA NTRS1987

Planetary impact experimentation

An understanding of impact processes in low- and microgravity environments would be advanced significantly by the construction and use of an impact facility on the Space Station. It is proposed that initial studies begin as soon as possible in ground-based impact laboratories, on the NASA KC-135 Reduced-Gravity Aircraft, and in existing drop towers. The resulting experience and information base could then be applied toward an experiment package designed for use on Shuttle orbiters to support pilot studies in orbital environments. These experiments, as well as the first efforts made on the IOC Space Station, should involve the impact of various free-floating targets; such studies would yield a substantial scientific return while providing valuable experience and engineering information for use in refining the design of the dedicated Space Station Impact Facility. The dedicated facility should be designed to support impact experimentation, including but not limited to cratering, asteroid and ring-particle dynamics, and accretional processes.

Cintala, Mark J.↗