Axisymmetric landslides on top-shaped asteroids

¹ Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, UP, 208016, India
² Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, UP, 208016, India

Published online: 7 June 2021

Abstract

Spin rates of minor planets or asteroids are known to have been affected by several agents including but not limited to tidal fly-bys, impacts and solar radiation. Surface processes like landslides occur as a result of such rotational changes. We study the evolution of landslides on top-shaped rubble pile asteroids like 101955 Bennu and 162173 Ryugu, with the underlying core modeled as two solid cones fused back to back. Using a depth averaged avalanche theory applicable to granular flows we solve for axisymmetric landslides occurring at various spin rates and regolith friction. Static regions on the surface corresponding to different spin rates are identified from an equilibrium analysis. We then solve for landslides initiated at different latitudes. It is found that landslides equilibrate at lower latitudes as the spin rate is increased. Beyond a critical spin rate regolith is shed from the equator. This critical spin is higher for a lower value of the semi-apex angle of the cone.