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Gas flow and fluidization in a thick dynamic regolith: A new mechanism for the formation of chondritic meteoritesWe have previously shown that size and density sorting in a regolith which has been 'fluidized' by the passage or gases from the interior or the body can quantitatively explain metal-silicate fractionation, an important property of ordinary chondrites. Here we discuss whether the flow rates and flux or volatiles expected from a primitive parent body are likely to be sufficient for this mechanism. Many meteorite parent bodies may have contained volatiles. From a consideration of heat diffusion and fluid mechanics, we calculate the gas flow rate of volatiles (e.g., water) in the regolith of an asteroid-sized object heated by Al-26. Our calculations show that the flow velocities and flux of water vapor are sufficient to produce conditions suitable for fluidization. Other heat sources have yet to be considered, but literature work suggests that they may be equally effective.
Document ID
19960042593
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Huang, Shaoxiong (Arkansas Univ. Fayetteville, AR United States)
Sears, Derek W. G. (Arkansas Univ. Fayetteville, AR United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
March 17, 1995
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Report/Patent Number
NASA-CR-201833
NAS 1.26:201833
Meeting Information
Meeting: Lunar and Planetary Science Conference
Country: United States
Start Date: March 13, 1995
End Date: March 17, 1995
Accession Number
96N31556
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGw-3519
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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