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Destruction of Interstellar DustInterstellar dust is an important component of the interstellar medium. Dust grains are the dominant opacity source and thus regulate the radiative transfer in the interstellar medium. Besides the spectral characteristics of sources, dust therefore influences directly the molecular composition of clouds through photodissociation and the heating of the gas through the photoelectric effect. Furthermore, dust grains also provide surfaces for active chemistry. This paper will review the destruction of interstellar dust with an emphasis on processing by interstellar shocks. Interstellar dust is affected by a variety of processes. Stars in the late stages of their evolution form dust grains by chemical nucleation and growth and injected them into the ISM. Grains in the ISM are processed by strong shock waves which sputter, vaporize, diamondize, and shatter them. The physics of interstellar shock waves and of these destruction processes will be reviewed. The ISM is organized in a number of phases: HI and molecular clouds, warm (neutral/ionized) intercloud medium, and coroner gas. Dust destruction is dominated by supernova shock waves in the intercloud medium. Because of rapid exchange of dust and gas between the phases, the effects of this are felt through all phases. This will be briefly discussed.
Document ID
20020046935
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tielens, A. G. G. M.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Young, Richard E.
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1997
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Formation and Evolution of Solids in Space Conference
Location: Sicily
Country: Italy
Start Date: March 13, 1997
End Date: March 21, 1997
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 399-28-01
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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