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Laboratory simulation, A tool for comet research
Author(s) -
Grün E.,
Kochan H.,
Seidensticker K. J.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/90gl02522
Subject(s) - comet , sample (material) , environmental science , lead (geology) , porosity , materials science , geology , astrobiology , physics , thermodynamics , geomorphology , composite material
Simulation experiments are performed in order to study processes which could lead to a better understanding of cometary nuclei. During the KOSI (Kometensimulation) experiments decimeter‐sized samples of porous H 2 O and CO 2 ice‐dust mixtures are irradiated with light. Phenomena like heat transport into the sample, compositional and structural modifications of the sample and release of dust and gas are studied which occur within centimeter to decimeter distance from the sample surface. Techniques to handle and analyse low temperature ice samples are developed. So far, six KOSI experiments have been performed and about six more are expected to be carried out within the next three years. This paper describes the approach taken and techniques used in the KOSI experiments. We discuss the relevance of some initial results obtained for cometary research.