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The origin of complex crater formation during high-speed impacts
Hasan F Celebi1, Austin J Andrews1, Ioannis Pothos2
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
Science Advances
|August 20, 2025
Summary
Complex crater formation, involving central uplift, was studied using microparticle impacts on polymers. The crater volume scales with impact energy and material properties, revealing micrometer-scale complexity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Physics
- Planetary Science
Background:
- Complex crater formation is a poorly understood impact phenomenon.
- Central uplift is a key characteristic of complex craters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanism of complex crater formation.
- To investigate cratering on polymer substrates using microparticle impacts.
Main Methods:
- Microparticle impacts (1.8-6.1 µm) at velocities up to 840 m/s on various polymer substrates.
- Analysis of crater morphology, focusing on central uplift.
- Correlation of crater complexity with polymer thermal properties and homogeneity.
Main Results:
- Central uplift was uniquely observed in craters on amorphous polymers.
- The degree of complexity correlated with polymer thermal properties and homogeneity.
- Complex crater volume scaled with the Eckert number (ratio of kinetic energy to glass transition energy).
Conclusions:
- Complex crater formation mechanisms can be studied at the micrometer scale.
- Material properties significantly influence complex crater development.
- Findings are relevant to both terrestrial and extraterrestrial impact events.
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