The Structure and Composition of Uranus and Neptune

Uranus and Neptune form a special class of planetary objects; intermediate in mass and composition between the giant Hydrogen-rich planets, Jupiter and Saturn, and the small, rocky terrestrial planets. Their structure and composition are not only of intrinsic importance, but also should provide information as to the nature of the protoplanetary nebula and the processes of planetary formation. A detailed set of theoretical models of these planets within the framework of two and three shell models was constructed. The ratio of ice to rock (1/r) is varied. The three shell model fits the data on the two planets best.