Bifurcated Asteroid - Centrifugal force

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the spin rate at which two touching spheres of different diameters (1.5 km and 2 km) will separate due to centrifugal force. The user seeks clarification on the correct measurement for 'r' in their calculations, questioning whether it should be the distance from the center of rotation to the interface of the spheres or from the center of the system to the center of each sphere. They also inquire if this measurement applies uniformly to both centrifugal and gravitational force calculations. Ultimately, the user believes they have resolved their question independently. Understanding the precise definition of 'r' is crucial for accurate calculations in this scenario.
higginsdj
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Hi, my math and physics are poor so please bear with me.

I have an bifurcated asteroid - 2 components. A sphere diameter 1.5km (m1) and a larger sphere, 2km in diameter (m2). The spheres are touching. System spins around the long axis.
Assuming both bodies have internal strength (not gravitationally bound rubble piles), I need to calculate the systems spin rate at which point the bodies separate for varies densities.

Now I know the physics:
Fcentrigual = 4 Pi^2 r / P ^2 (P is spin rate in seconds)
Fgravity = G * (4/3 * Pi * Rm1^3 * rho)*(4/3 * Pi * Rm2^3 * rho) / r^2 (rho = density)

Now in a large system (someone on the surface of earth) r is easy but in a system as described above, what is r? Is it the distance from the systems centre of rotation to the interface between the 2 bodies or the centre of the system to the centre of the sphere component? Does this apply to both calculations or is the measure of r different for each?

Cheers

David
 
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