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On the radial structure of Saturn's rings
Author(s) -
Ward William R.
Publication year - 1981
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/gl008i006p00641
Subject(s) - rings of saturn , saturn , physics , radial velocity , diffusion , astrophysics , planet , thermodynamics , stars
Radial diffusion in a particulate Keplerian disc under the influence of a viscosity law ν(σ) that decreases with surface density σ more steeply than σ −1 [i.e., d(νσ)/dσ < 0] will promote the breakdown of the system into an ensemble of thin rings. Possible application to Saturn’s rings is considered.