Theses and Dissertations
Issuing Body
Mississippi State University
Advisor
Pierce, Donna M.
Committee Member
Tanner, Angelle M.
Committee Member
Crider, Benjamin
Date of Degree
5-12-2023
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Physics
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Comets, remnants of the solar system's formation, exhibits partially unexplained outbursts that are closely tied to the physical structure of the nucleus. To investigate outbursts, we employed pore network modeling techniques, such as the Bower-Watson algorithm and Voronoi diagrams, to better represent the nucleus' complex porous structure and simulate gas transfer processes. We examined heat diffusion in the comet's subsurface and its influence on crystallization. The extra heat generated by crystallization can shift the crystalline front deeper into the nucleus, accelerating subsurface evaporation rates. This process results in the formation of a thicker ice mantle with reduced porosity on the surface, trapping evaporated gas in the underlying layers. As gas pressure accumulates over time, the mantle eventually succumbs to the buildup. By applying percolation theory, we identified the critical point at which trapped gas breaks through the surface, ultimately leading to a better understanding of comet outburst formation.
Recommended Citation
Sohani, Ahmad, "Comet nuclei activity simulation using percolation theory on comet 67P/Churyumov– Gerasimenko" (2023). Theses and Dissertations. 5744.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/5744