High-Velocity Impact Phenomena in the Solar System Related to the Origin and Evolution of Planets

Abstract

In this article, recent studies on impact cratering and impact disruption of planetary bodies are reviewed. A widely accepted scaling law for impact cratering is introduced to discuss the effects of material strength and planetary gravity on the crater formation process. A sophisticated scaling law for impact disruption is also introduced and we notice that non-dimensional impact stress is useful parameter to describe the catastrophic disruption. The impact strength of icy bodies, meteorite parent bodies and primitive asteroids are studied by using various materials simulating them, and these results are explained briefly.