Tricarico is studying the dynamics of compact systems with satellites, such as the binary and triple asteroid systems. He has implemented an algorithm based on generalized inertia integrals that computes the figure-figure interaction between two bodies with arbitrary shape and mass distributions.
Tricarico is collaborating with Mark Sykes and the Science Team of the Dawn Mission, developing models of the Vesta gravitational field, and simulating the illumination conditions during the mission operations. A software tool has been developed to help the Dawn Science Team investigate alternative survey scenarios, and their effect on the surface coverage of Vesta by the Dawn's instruments.
Tricarico is collaborating with Mark Sykes to develop a numerical model that simulates the dynamics of dust trails generated by comets. Possible applications include the identification of observed trails with past comets.
Tricarico is collaborating with Steve Kortenkamp to perform numerical simulations of the dynamics of irregular satellites and quasi-satellites, focusing in particular on the capture of satellites during the migration of the giant planets, as predicted in the Nice model.
None.
Tricarico, P. (2007). An Efficient Search Strategy for Near Earth Asteroids. 38th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, LPI Contribution No. 1338, p.2357.