Drag Modeling Effects on Simulations of Supersonic Jet-Induced Cratering in a Soil

What is it about?

Controlled spacecraft landing on a soil/regolith surface planetary body depends on tuning the momentum of positioning-rockets jets to direct the spacecraft to the desired location. These jets impact the surface, form a crater, and scoop ejecta which may damage the lander. Simulations of these mechanisms involve many physical processes, including drag experienced by soil particles upon being lifted by the jets and dispersed by ejecta. Using different existing drag models, simulations are conducted to determine the sensitivity of results to the drag model. Surprisingly, sensitivity only exists in the crater center, and mostly for shallow craters characteristic of low-density atmospheres.

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