Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Feb 1987
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1987apj...313..893p&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 313, Feb. 15, 1987, p. 893-905. Research supported by the Adler Fund for Sp
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
73
Comet Nuclei, Evolution (Development), Halley'S Comet, Thermodynamic Properties, Amorphous Materials, Crystallization, Ice, Phase Transformations, Temperature Profiles, Comets, Comet Nuclei, Evolution, Thermal History, Composition, Heating, Ice, Simulations, Crystallization, Depth, Sublimation, Size, Radius, Temperature, Gases, Jetting, Explosions, Calculations, Flux, Surface, Parameters, Distance, Water Vapor, Production Rate, Energy, Halley
Scientific paper
The thermal evolution of a spherical cometary nucleus (initial radius of 2.5 km), composed initially of very cold amorphous ice and moving in comet Halley's orbit, is simulated numerically for 280 revolutions. It is found that the phase transition from amorphous to crystalline ice constitutes a major internal heat source. This transition does not occur continuously, but in distinct rounds. Due to the (slow) heating of the amorphous ice between crystallization rounds, the phase transition front advances into the nucleus to progressively greater depths. At the time of crystallization, the temperature of the transformed ice rises to 180K. A large fraction of the gas trapped in the ice at low temperatures is thereby released. Whereas some of the released gas may find its way out through cracks in the crystalline ice layer, the rest is expected to accumulate in gas pockets that may eventually explode, forming "volcanic calderas".
Bar-Nun Akiva
Prialnik Dina
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