Multi-technique modelling of small meteoroid ablation

The purpose of this project is to measure the physical properties of mm-sized meteoroids by modelling their ablation in the atmosphere. In particular, simultaneous radar and high-resolution optical measurements of common meteors will be used to constrain the nature of meteoroid ablation. The outcome of this project will be better estimates of meteoroid mass, bulk density and structural strength.

The project involves analysis and interpretation of optical meteor data and radar data using existing software packages. The data provided by these measurements will form the basis for ablation modelling of individual meteoroids. The student will use existing codes in C to measure high resolution imagery and radar meteor echoes. Some prototype software development in matlab or Python will also be required.