The discrete element method (DEM) is usually applied in analyzing the scientifical
origin/evolution of the asteroids and the landing/sampling of the regolith. In order to manage …

This paper presents an efficient CUDA-based implementation of a nonspherical discrete
element method where irregular particles are described by using polyhedrons. Two …

For small body missions, autonomous guidance is crucial for landing. The Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency's Hayabusa and Hayabusa2 spacecraft thus placed a target marker on …

The tradeoff between accuracy and efficiency in gravitational field modeling for binary
asteroid landing is one of the challenges in dynamical analyses. Four representative …

Particle mixtures of different sizes can segregate upon external excitation, which is called
the Brazil nut effect (BNE). Since the BNE is a possible reason for large boulders depositing …

Cubic rovers that traverse by hopping systems are promising in low-gravity environments.
Although several analyses of the control methods and mobility of the cubic rover are …

We present an approach for the inclusion of nonspherical constituents in high-resolution N-
body discrete element method (DEM) simulations. We use aggregates composed of bonded …

This dissertation presents a series of studies that develop and apply numerical modeling
techniques to small bodies in the solar system. We are particularly interested in low-energy …