We define a set of procedures to numerically study the fate of ejecta
produced by the impact of an artificial projectile with the aim of deflecting
an asteroid. Here we develop a simplified, idealized model of impact conditions
that can be adapted to fit the details of specific deflection-test scenarios,
such as what is being proposed for the AIDA project. Ongoing studies based upon
the methodology described here can be used to inform observational strategies
and safety conditions for an observing spacecraft. To account for ejecta
evolution, the numerical strategies we are employing are varied and include a
large N-Body component, a smoothed-particle hydrodynamics (SPH) component, and
an application of impactor scaling laws. Simulations that use SPH-derived
initial conditions show high-speed ejecta escaping at low angles of
inclination, and very slowly moving ejecta lofting off the surface at higher
inclination angles, some of which re-impacts the small-body surface. We are
currently investigating the realism of this and other models' behaviors. Next
steps will include the addition of solar perturbations to the model and
applying the protocol developed here directly to specific potential mission
concepts such as the proposed AIDA scenario.Comment: 19 pages, 11 figures, accepted for publication in Advances in Space
Research, Special Issue: Asteroids & Space Debri
