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The influence of gravitational body force in meteoritic chondrule and lunar glass formationThe effects of gravitational body force must be considered in the formation of extraterrestrial materials such as meteoritic chondrules and lunar glasses. Solidification experiments conducted in microgravity as well as g values greater than Earth's gravitational force have demonstrated that gravitational force can have profound and sometimes unexpected effects upon the way materials solidify and, therefore, upon their physical and mechanical properties. Solutal, thermal and sedimentation effects differ from those experienced on Earth. Because buoyancy forces are reduced, materials of different densities may remain in close proximity. The spherical morphology of chondrules and many lunar glasses may reflect the tendency for free floating liquids to form spherical droplets in a microgravity environment, a form which minimizes surface energy. Under these conditions, surface energy forces dominate gravity forces. The formation of two common chondrule textures, barred and radiating chondrules, can be explained using observations from glass science.
Document ID
19850007305
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Budka, P. Z.
(Union Coll. Schenectady, NY, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Lunar and Planetary Institute The 47th Ann. Meteoritical Soc. Meeting
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
85N15614
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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