Spacecraft collision - angular momemtum

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angular momentum of two identical spacecraft, A and B, each with mass m, before and after a collision while orbiting Earth. The spacecraft collide at their perigee, with spacecraft A having an initial speed of V[a] and spacecraft B at V[b]. The key formulas required include linear momentum and angular momentum calculations, specifically for the scenario where both spacecraft are at their perigee and moving perpendicular to their position vectors. The conservation of momentum principles are also crucial in analyzing the collision outcome.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of linear momentum and angular momentum concepts
  • Familiarity with orbital mechanics and perigee definitions
  • Knowledge of conservation laws in physics
  • Basic algebra for manipulating equations and solving for variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the equations for linear momentum: P = mv
  • Learn about angular momentum calculations: L = r x p
  • Explore conservation of momentum in inelastic collisions
  • Investigate orbital mechanics, focusing on perigee and apogee dynamics
USEFUL FOR

Physics students, aerospace engineers, and anyone interested in orbital dynamics and collision analysis in space environments.

dopey9
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Identical spacecraft s A and B each of mass m are orbiting the Earth in different orbits...they both have the same perigee and at t=0 spacecraft A hits spacecraft B from behind

before impact speed of A was V[a]
and B was V and both a distance R from the centre of the earth

After the collision the two spacecraft stick together as a single lump of wreckage

im trying to find an expression for the angular momentum of the wreckage in terms of m, R, V[a], V...i was wondering if anyone knows what formulas i require to work out the expression...if anyone could please possibly show me how to solve this because I am finding it mind boggling thankz
 
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Are we to assume that the collision takes place when both are at their perigee and thus are moving perpendicular to their position vectors (measured from the center of the earth)? Assuming that, answer these questions:
(1) What's the linear momentum of each spacecraft before the collision?
(2) What's the angular momentum of each spacecraft before the collision?
(3) What's conserved during the collision?
 

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