Ring particles - Collisional interactions and physical natureAttention is given to the properties of, and dynamical processes affecting individual particles of Saturn's rings. Because particles tend to be gravitationally bound when located on the surfaces of larger particles, and since net tidal stresses within the particles are small, particle collisions should produce accretion in Saturn's rings. Rapid accretionary processes within the rings are counterbalanced by tidal disruption of the larger accreted aggregates, which are presently designated 'dynamic ephemeral bodies'. The coefficient of restitution is probably very low, implying that the large particles containing most of the rings' mass are in a monolayer, although the small particles responsible for most of the rings' visible cross section form a layer many particles thick. Kinematic viscosity and interparticle erosive process models should incorporate these properties.
Document ID
19850052258
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Weidenschilling, S. J. (Planetary Science Inst. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Chapman, C. R. (Planetary Science Inst. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Davis, D. R. (Planetary Science Inst. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Greenberg, R. (Science Applications, Inc. Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ, United States)