high performance computing on graphics processing units: hgpu.org

This paper considers the problem of developing statistical orbit predictions of nearEarth object (NEO) fragmentation for nuclear disruption mission design and analysis. The critical component of NEO fragmentation modeling is developed for a momentum-preserving hypervelocity impact of a spacecraft carrying nuclear payload. The results of the fragmentation process are compared to static models and results from complex hydrodynamic code simulations, developing benchmark initial conditions for orbital prediction algorithms. The problem is examined in a way that enables high-performance GPU acceleration of the resulting computational system, and the mission design fidelity is improved to allow for high throughput self-gravity and collision models of NEO fragments. Improvements to model efficiency are demonstrated using a range of orbits to assess disruption mission effectiveness.