Simulating irregular source geometries for ionian plumes

W. J. McDoniel, D. B. Goldstein, P. L. Varghese, L. M. Trafton, D. A. Buchta, J. Freund, S. W. Kieffer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Volcanic plumes on Io respresent a complex rarefied flow into a near-vacuum in the presence of gravity. A 3D Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method is used to investigate the gas dynamics of such plumes, with a focus on the effects of source geometry on far-field deposition patterns. A rectangular slit and a semicircular half annulus are simulated to illustrate general principles, especially the effects of vent curvature on deposition ring structure. Then two possible models for the giant plume Pele are presented. One is a curved line source corresponding to an IR image of a particularly hot region in the volcano's caldera and the other is a large area source corresponding to the entire caldera. The former is seen to produce the features seen in observations of Pele's ring, but with an error in orientation. The latter corrects the error in orientation, but loses some structure. A hybrid simulation of 3D slit flow is also discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication27th International Symposium on Rarefied Gas Dynamics - 2010, RGD27
Pages1157-1162
Number of pages6
EditionPART 1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011
Event27th International Symposium on Rarefied Gas Dynamics, RGD27 - Pacific Grove, CA, United States
Duration: Jul 10 2011Jul 15 2011

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
NumberPART 1
Volume1333
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

Other27th International Symposium on Rarefied Gas Dynamics, RGD27
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPacific Grove, CA
Period7/10/117/15/11

Keywords

  • Io
  • Plumes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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