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Qmechanic
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Stresses in asteroid during close flyby

The acceleration of an asteroid (such as 2012DA14) as it approaches earth is proportional to the reciprocal of distance $r$ from earth center, squared. the derivative of the acceleration, or jerk, is then proportional to the cube of the reciprocal of distance $r$, and the speed $v$. Thus the jerk is rapidly increasing as the asteroid approaches. Will the asteroid experience stresses from the jerk that could possibly cause it to break up?

Dave
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