On the atmospheric fragmentation of small asteroids

It is known, from observational data recorded from airbursts, that small as teroids breakup at dynamical pressures lower than their mechanical strength . This means that actual theoretical models are inconsistent with observati ons. In this paper, we present a detailed discussion about data recorded fr om airbursts and about several theoretical models. We extend and improve a theory previously outlined for the fragmentation of small asteroids in the Earth atmosphere. The new condition for fragmentation is given by the shock wave-turbulence interaction, which results in sudden outburst of the dynam ical pressure.