Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Jul 1993
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993metic..28r.389m&link_type=abstract
Meteoritics, vol. 28, no. 3, volume 28, page 389
Mathematics
Logic
1
Dust, Interplanetary, Experimental Chondrules, Serpentine, Vesicles
Scientific paper
The processing of chondrule precursors during melting is so extensive that there are few unambiguous indicators of their mineralogical composition. The specific combination of peak temperature and heating time, i.e., the heating mechanism, is also unknown. The general absence of vesicles in chondrules is a potential constraint on both questions. Meteor ablation spherules, whose origins are well understood, differ from chondrules in having abundant vesicles [1]. Chondrules simulated experimentally in a variety of ways have vesicles in many cases, but it has been suggested that the presence of vesicles rules out flash heating [2]. We therefore examine in detail the formation of vesicles in synthetic chondrules. Vesicles have been produced in experiments with long heating times [3] as well as short [2]. They are most prominent in charges that experienced low degrees of melting, probably because of surface tension effects that trap bubbles between relict grains, aided by high melt viscosity. The gas could be derived from air trapped when the powdered sample is prepared, binding agents (acetone, water), or volatiles in the starting minerals (Na, H2O). We have conducted experiments to determine the source of vesicles in synthetic chondrules initially heated slightly below the liquidus and cooled at 500 degrees C/hr. Runs made in pairs included charges with and without acetone binder and charges baked out at 200 degrees C for different lengths of time. Charges with acetone produced more vesicles, which could be avoided to some extent by preliminary baking. Charges with no binder had very few vesicles if baked for 1/2 hour. Vesicles are more prominent when using a well-sorted fine-grained powder than with an unsorted more uniform size distribution. Pulling a vacuum on pellets had no effect on subsequent vesicle development. Vesicles are unlikely to be due to loss of Na from the charge, because vesicles are equally prevalent in flash-heated charges, which retain most of their Na, and earlier experiments that spent longer times at temperature. Experiments with serpentine in the starting materials resulted in a popcorn vesicle texture with voids as large as 3 mm, like some ablation spherules [1]. Trapped air and binding agents cause most vesicles in experimental charges. Chondrule precursors must have consisted of olivine, etc., with no hydrous minerals, assembled at low pressure, or they would have generated vesicles. The absence of vesicles in chondrules does not rule out flash heating mechanisms. References: [1] Brownlee D. E. et al. (1983) In Chondrules and Their Origin (E. A. King, ed.), 10-25, LPI, Houston. [2] Wdowiak T. J. (1983) In Chondrules and Their Origin (E. A. King, ed.), 279-283, LPI, Houston. [3] Radomsky P. M. and Hewins R. H. (1990) GCA, 54, 3475-3490.
Hewins Roger H.
Maharaj Susan V.
No associations
LandOfFree
Vesicles in Experimental Chondrules as Clues to Chondrule Precursors 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 Vesicles in Experimental Chondrules as Clues to Chondrule Precursors, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vesicles in Experimental Chondrules as Clues to Chondrule Precursors will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1073044