Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-11-07
Astron.J. 125 (2003) 894-901
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
21 pages, 1 figure, to be published in Astronomical Journal
Scientific paper
10.1086/345963
We suggest that the irregular structure in Saturn's B ring arises from the formation of shear-free ring-particle assemblies of up to ~100 km in radial extent. The characteristic scale of the irregular structure is set by the competition between tidal forces and the yield stress of these assemblies; the required tensile strength of ~10^5 dyn/cm^2 is consistent with the sticking forces observed in laboratory simulations of frosted ice particles. These assemblies could be the nonlinear outcome of a linear instability that occurs in a rotating fluid disk in which the shear stress is a decreasing function of the shear. We show that a simple model of an incompressible, non-Newtonian fluid in shear flow leads to the Cahn-Hilliard equation, which is widely used to model the formation of structure in binary alloys and other systems.
No associations
LandOfFree
On the origin of irregular structure in Saturn's rings 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 On the origin of irregular structure in Saturn's rings, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the origin of irregular structure in Saturn's rings will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-406837