Mark J. Cintala, Planetary Scientist
Area of Research/Engineering
Impact mechanics and cratering, particularly as applied to planetary science
Contact Information
NASA Employee / KR
Mark.J.cintala@nasa.gov
281-483-5032
Education / Experience
Ph.D Brown University, 1980
Sc.M. Brown University, 1976
B.S., Physics University of Bridgeport, 1974
Research/Engineering Interests
Experimental studies of the kinematics and dynamics of crater formation, including cavity growth and ejection.
The effects of existing geology and target properties on the impact process.
The thermal effects of impact on projectile and target materials -impact melting and vaporization, in particular.
The "scaling" of impact processes from the laboratory to the dimensions of planetary-scale events.
The use of impact craters as tools to learn about their host planets.
Laboratory/Research Groups