The Fragmentation of the Asteroids--II: Numerical Calculations

Abstract

The equations describing the evolution in time of the asteroidal mass distribution under collisional fragmentation have been solved numerically. The results, in general, converge to the asymptotic solutions obtained previously by approximate analytical methods, within the lifetime of the solar system. Recently published observational data on the smaller asteroids are compared with the theory, and are shown to be in good agreement. Some further discussion is given to the special problem of the mass distribution of the largest asteroids.