Samples of projectile impacts in glass on a micro scale are studied and compared to bolide impacts on earth. Using 5mm soda lime glass as a target material for 5mm steel balls at low velocity, 150 to 250 fps impact features are studied for direct and indirect fracturing.
Using aerial and satellite photos for reference, images of micro fractures in glass were laid side by side with those of bolide impacts on earth. The terrestrial samples consist of astroblemes around the globe. Included is one suspected impact structure in West Texas, USA. The samples were studied for features that would indicate patterns created when the target material was forced beyond elastic and plastic tolerances.
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A.T. Dowd Research
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Impact Trajectory Fracture Comparisons by James Byous
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