Flash heating is required to minimize sodium losses from chondrules

Chondrules were formed by high-temperature melting events, but do not always show Na depletion compared to CI chondrites, though extensive Na loss has been found in previous isothermal experiments. While Na loss can be prevented by high partial pressure of Na in the nebula, many people favor a flash-heating mechanism to reduce the Na loss from chondrule melts. To examine the validity of the flash-heating hypothesis, we have conducted a series of flash-heating experiments and observed Na loss rate under different conditions. Our results support the flash heating as a plausible heating mechanism to form chondrules.