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 Originally Posted by OngBonga
Ok so at sea level the speed of sound is ~343 m/s, and these rods are theorised to impact at ~MACH 10, which is ~3.5 km/s, well short of ionisation velocity if we're in need of 7 km/s, which is ~MACH 20 at sea level.
You're talking about the speed upon impacting the ground. I'm talking about the speed upon impacting the air.
The rule of thumb I quoted is for the entry velocity as object enters the Earth's atmosphere.
Originally Posted by OngBonga
Would a tungsten rod shed particles on its descent? Could it be coated to reduce particle loss?
Yes. It will either ablate material from its surface as it falls the way a meteroid does or it will explode entirely.
Yes. We've had this technology since the early years of space travel. The Apollo landing capsules had heat shields.
Originally Posted by OngBonga
If the only problem with this theory is the cost, well I wouldn't rule out superior propulsion technology than is known to exist. Granted, it's still pseudoscience, but I can at least entertain the idea that John Hutchison was onto something with his bowling ball experiments.
I am quite skeptical about secret "superior propulsion technology."
In theory, it's fine. Drop a rock from high enough and it's going to make a big mess. Drop bigger rocks for added effect.
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