The vertical structure and thickness of Saturn's rings

Details The vertical structure and thickness of Saturn's rings The vertical structure and thickness of Saturn's rings

Apr 1979

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1979icar...38...54c&link_type=abstract

Icarus, vol. 38, Apr. 1979, p. 54-68.

Mathematics

25

Ring Structures, Saturn Rings, Vertical Distribution, Gravitational Effects, Particle Size Distribution, Perturbation Theory, Mathematical Models, Structure, Saturn, Rings, Collisions, Grain Size, Scattering, Origin, Hypotheses, Observations, Models, Perturbations, Dispersion, Energy Sources, Gravitational Properties

Scientific paper

The steady state thickness and vertical structure of Saturn's rings are discussed with regard to whether a collapse to a monolayer due to particle collisions may be prevented by various mechanisms. The differences between thick rings and wavy monolayers are outlined and used to show that such coherent perturbations to the rings as satellite and solar gravitational effects would produce a wavy monolayer while such dispersive mechanisms as meteoroid impact, radiation pressure, Kepler shear and radial spreading, which would produce the random particle motions necessary to maintain a thick layer, are probably insignificant. Given a typical power law distribution of particle sizes, it is found that gravitational scattering of small particles by large ones would maintain a ring thickness of several times the radius of the largest particles. A steady state ring thickness of 20 to 50 meters, derived from energy considerations, would imply a maximum particle size of a few meters.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The vertical structure and thickness of 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 The vertical structure and thickness of Saturn's rings, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The vertical structure and thickness of Saturn's rings will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1435745