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Size-Selective Concentration of Chondrules and Other Small Particles in Protoplanetary Nebula TurbulenceSize-selective concentration of particles in a weakly turbulent protoplanetary nebula may be responsible for the initial collection of chondrules and other constituents into primitive bodY precursors. This paper presents the main elements of this process of turbulent concentration. In the terrestrial planet region. both the characteristic size and size distribution of chondrules are explained. "Fluffier" particles would be concentrated in nebula regions which were at a lower density and/or more intensely turbulent. The spatial distribution of concentrated particle density obeys multifractal scaling, suggesting a close tie to the turbulent cascade process. This scaling behavior allows predictions of the probability distributions for concentration in the protoplanetary nebula to be made. Large concentration factors (less than 10(exp 5)) are readily obtained, implying that numerous zones of particle density significantly exceeding the gas density could exist. If most of the available solids were actually in chondrule sized particles, the ensuing particle mass density would become so large that the feedback effects on gas turbulence due to mass loading could no longer be neglected. This paper describes the process, presenting its basic elements and some implications, without including the effects of mass loading.
Document ID
20010000046
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Cuzzi, Jeffrey N.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Hogan, Robert C.
(Symtech Corp. United States)
Paque, Julie M.
(Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Inst. Moffett Field, CA United States)
Dobrovolskis, Anthony R.
(California Univ. Santa Cruz, CA United States)
DeVincenzi, Donald L.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2000
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 344-30-51-03
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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