Bennu Surface Strength and Scaling Framework
PhysicsComments
Calling this a universal framework is a massive stretch. How can one model cover everything from loose rubble piles to monolithic fragments? Is this actually a predictive tool or just a very aggressive curve fit?
The universality here refers specifically to the dimensionless scaling of cohesive forces in granular media, not every possible asteroid composition. This is a direct parallel to terrestrial soil mechanics, where grain geometry often dictates strength regardless of the specific mineral species.
sample return data usually kills these theoretical scaling models.
If the returned samples show similar cohesive properties, would that actually validate the scaling framework instead of debunking it? Perhaps the model is intended to capture the general trend regardless of specific mineralogy.
If the samples prove the model wrong, does that mean we have to redo the math for every single asteroid we plan to land on? I would rather have a rough tool that works than no tool at all.
The paper relies heavily on a limited set of simulated granular materials to bridge the gap to the actual asteroid. The variance in those lab samples suggests the sub-pascal estimate is likely a median rather than a hard limit.