THERMAL-BEHAVIOR OF ROCKY MATERIAL IN CONTACT WITH ICE

Citation
Ni. Komle et al., THERMAL-BEHAVIOR OF ROCKY MATERIAL IN CONTACT WITH ICE, The Astrophysical journal, 421(1), 1994, pp. 350-354
Citations number
16
Categorie Soggetti
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Journal title
ISSN journal
0004637X
Volume
421
Issue
1
Year of publication
1994
Part
1
Pages
350 - 354
Database
ISI
SICI code
0004-637X(1994)421:1<350:TORMIC>2.0.ZU;2-S
Abstract
A large class of bodies in the solar system consists of ices mixed wit h ''dusty'' or ''rocky'' material (e.g., comets, rings, icy satellites ). In the present paper we study the thermal behavior of such a mixed body in response to irradiation by the Sun, In contrast to the traditi onal approach, where the effects of a dust mantle are considered from a macroscopic point of view, we focus on the behavior of single grains or boulders. A three-dimensional model for a dust particle, or a piec e of refractory dark material in contact with a volatile ice surface, is presented. Example solutions are calculated, which illustrate the i nfluence of different heat transfer paths (radiation, conduction), the particle size, and the contact area (Hertz factor) upon the solutions . Subsequently, our model is used to interpret some results of a recen t comet simulation experiment, and, finally, it is applied to estimate the temperature contrasts on the surface of the icy satellites of Jup iter and Saturn.