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Comments on collision mechanics in ring systemsCollisions within planetary ring systems, especially Saturn's, are discussed. The particles may have coherent icy cores and less coherent granular or frosty surface layers, consistent with thermal eclipse observations. Collisions do not cause catastrophic fragmentation of the particles, although minor surface erosion and reaccretion is possible. Evolution by collisional fragmentation is thus not as important as in the asteroid belt. Models suggest that the fractional number of projectile masses dislodged when solid (or solid-core) projectiles strike solid ice or granular surface layers does not exceed the order of 10 to the minus 7th to minus 9th power. Even at this rate, the half life of ring particles would be less than the age of the solar system in crowded ring regions unless there was very efficient reaccretion. A plausible ring particle model involves solid ice cores with granular surface layers that exchange material by slow erosion and efficient reaccretion; the granular layers protect the cores from rapid erosion.
Document ID
19850018199
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hartmann, W. K.
(Planetary Science Inst. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: CNES Planetary Rings
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Report/Patent Number
PSI-CONTRIB-186
Accession Number
85N26510
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASW-2909
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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