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A generalized behavioral model for rotating short period comets with spectral orbital elements and axial orientationA generalized model for short period comets is developed which integrates in a fairly rigorous manner the isolation history of regions on rotating comets with specified axial orientation and the complex feedback processes involving heat, gas and dust transport, dust mantle development and coma opacity. Attention is focused on development, reconfiguration and partial or complete launching of dust mantles and the reciprocal effects of these three processes on ice surface temperature and gas and dust production. The dust mantle controls the H2O flux not only by its effect on the temperature at the ice interface but (dominantly) by its dynamic stability which strongly influences vapor diffusivity. The model includes the effects of latitude, rotation and spin axis orientation are included and applied to an initially homogeneous sphere of H2O ice and silicate using the orbital parameters of comet Encke. Numerous variations of the model, using combinations of grain size distribution, dust-to-ice ratio, latitude and spin axis orientation, are presented and discussed. Resulted for a similar nonrotating, constant Sun orientation models are also included.
Document ID
19840015383
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other
Authors
Fanale, F. P.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Salvail, J. R.
(Hawaii Univ. Honolulu, HI, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Washington Repts. of Planetary Geol. Program
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
84N23451
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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