Compression effects in rock-ice mixtures: an application to the study of satellites

Physics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

8

Scientific paper

The behaviour of a porous material consisting of mixed rock and ice grains is studied theoretically. Two aspects are considered: (1) self-compression of a rock and ice mixture forming a celestial body, and (2) the heat conduction coefficient of the mixture. The work is aimed at an application to the study of the internal structure of medium-sized icy satellites. A compaction time-scale for the porous structure of the latter is calculated. It is suggested that Mimas could be porous down to its center even today, provided it accreted in a cold environment. Mimas thus appears to be the most suitable object to which our model could be applied. For a realistic porosity-pressure relation the equation governing pressure distribution within a non-rotating spherical body is solved numerically for Mimas. It is shown that the presence of voids may significantly lower the moment of inertia. Our results also suggest that porosity is sufficient to explain the actual shape of Mimas. The heat conduction coefficient of a porous rock-ice mixture is calculated by means of a Monte Carlo method based on the random resistor concept. It is suggested that the results so obtained could be useful in a study of thermal evolution. Throughout the paper the need for an experimental determination of the various material parameters used in this work is emphasized.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Compression effects in rock-ice mixtures: an application to the study of satellites 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 Compression effects in rock-ice mixtures: an application to the study of satellites, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Compression effects in rock-ice mixtures: an application to the study of satellites will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1856444

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.