Three dimensional DSMC modelling of the dynamics of Io’s atmosphere
BORIS DOI
Subtitle
building a simulation setup for parameter studies of the effects and the interaction of different processes in Io’s atmosphere
Abstract
This thesis deals with the construction of a simulation model of the atmosphere of Io and the testing of different atmospheric processes added to the model. A 3D Direct Simulation Monte Carlo method is applied to model the rarefied gas flows. Different processes such as the surface frost sublimation, volcanic surface features and plasma heating are implemented in the model and further studied.
In its final version, the model can compute the sublimation of SO₂ depending on the solar incidence angle and a surface frost distribution, the outburst of volcanic plumes, the influence of plasma heating on both, the ambient atmosphere and volcanic plumes and the presence of several species. With this model a closer look at the plume structure and at the influence of different plasma parameters is possible. It was found that volcanic plumes in combination with a sublimation surface create hot non-equilibrium regions at their sides and winds of up to 300m/s have been determined. Further, the parameters of the plasma interaction are studied and compared regarding to their influence on the temperature distribution of the atmosphere.
In a second step dust particles are added to the model using the DRAG3D code originally developed for cometary research. The movement of the dust particles is calculated from the gas flow field result. In this process various dust sizes and properties are explored and synthetic images of the dust density and the reflectance are created and analysed. In future this model can be further refined by adding different species and physical processes.
In its final version, the model can compute the sublimation of SO₂ depending on the solar incidence angle and a surface frost distribution, the outburst of volcanic plumes, the influence of plasma heating on both, the ambient atmosphere and volcanic plumes and the presence of several species. With this model a closer look at the plume structure and at the influence of different plasma parameters is possible. It was found that volcanic plumes in combination with a sublimation surface create hot non-equilibrium regions at their sides and winds of up to 300m/s have been determined. Further, the parameters of the plasma interaction are studied and compared regarding to their influence on the temperature distribution of the atmosphere.
In a second step dust particles are added to the model using the DRAG3D code originally developed for cometary research. The movement of the dust particles is calculated from the gas flow field result. In this process various dust sizes and properties are explored and synthetic images of the dust density and the reflectance are created and analysed. In future this model can be further refined by adding different species and physical processes.
Date of Publication
2024
Year of graduation
2024
Theses Type
dissertation
Subject(s)
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Klaiber, Lea Meera |
Faculty/Graduate School
Institute
Access(Rights)
open.access
Primary OA Publication
true