Navier Stokes and direct Monte-Carlo simulations of the circumnuclear gas coma. III. Spherical, inhomogeneous sources

Details Navier Stokes and direct Monte-Carlo simulations of the circumnuclear gas coma. III. Spherical, inhomogeneous sources Navier Stokes and direct Monte-Carlo simulations of the circumnuclear gas coma. III. Spherical, inhomogeneous sources

Mar 2008

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008icar..194..327z&link_type=abstract

Icarus, Volume 194, Issue 1, p. 327-346.

Physics

4

Scientific paper

We pursue our program of comparative simulations of the cometary gas coma by the two most advanced techniques available: (1) numerical solution of Navier Stokes equations coupled to the Boltzman equation in the surface boundary layer, and (2) direct Monte-Carlo simulation. Here, we consider two different spherical but compositionally inhomogeneous nuclei, at three very different levels of gas production. The results show the same excellent agreement between the two methods in a domain adjacent to the surface as found precedingly, practically down to free-molecular conditions. A wealth of coma density patterns with non-intuitive structure is obtained. Some of these structures appear even under free-molecular effusion from the surface. The physical origin of all structures is discussed, and their evolution with changing gas production is studied. The computed comae are compared to those computed by various authors precedingly. Intercomparison of the present results demonstrates that differing inhomogeneity patterns may lead to similar structures in the gas coma. Comparison between these structures and those created by homogeneous, aspherical surfaces shows that it is not possible to guess from empirical rules which one of the two processes is responsible for the creation of a given structure. The implications for the interpretation of future high resolution images, or of future in situ mass spectrometric samplings of the near-nucleus gas coma are discussed.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Navier Stokes and direct Monte-Carlo simulations of the circumnuclear gas coma. III. Spherical, inhomogeneous sources 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 Navier Stokes and direct Monte-Carlo simulations of the circumnuclear gas coma. III. Spherical, inhomogeneous sources, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Navier Stokes and direct Monte-Carlo simulations of the circumnuclear gas coma. III. Spherical, inhomogeneous sources will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-765916