Models of the structure and evolution of comet P/Wirtanen

Details Models of the structure and evolution of comet P/Wirtanen Models of the structure and evolution of comet P/Wirtanen

Jul 1996

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1996p%26ss...44..655p&link_type=abstract

Planetary and Space Science, v. 44, p. 655-664.

Physics

20

Scientific paper

Model calculations are presented for the nucleus of comet P/Wirtanen, the main target of the upcoming Rosetta mission. A porous, spherical nucleus, made of ice and dust in equal mass fractions is considered, assuming a few percent of CO and CO2 occluded in the amorphous ice. The main effects included in the code are: crystallization of amorphous ice and release of occluded gases, condensation, sublimation and (Knudsen) flow of gases through the pores, changing pore sizes, flow of dust grains of different radii. Evolution is followed through several orbits, for different initial parameter combinations. It is found that a stratified structure develops for the outer layer of the nucleus: a highly porous dust mantle, a denser layer of crystalline ice and dust below it, followed by layers of amorphous ice and dust including frozen CO2, and deeper down, frozen CO. The production rate of H2O varies strongly with heliocentric distance; at perihelion the calculated rate is very close to that inferred from observations. The CO production rate is maintained nearly constant throughout the orbit and that of CO2 varies moderately. Outbursts are obtained for some models at large heliocentric distances.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Models of the structure and evolution of comet P/Wirtanen does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Models of the structure and evolution of comet P/Wirtanen, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Models of the structure and evolution of comet P/Wirtanen will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1383670