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Araki, Suguru

Publications and source records attributed to Araki, Suguru.

The dynamics of particle disks. III - Dense and spinning particle disks

The kinetic theory of planetary rings developed by Araki and Tremaine (1986) and Araki (1988) is extended and refined, with a focus on the implications of finite particle size: (1) nonlocal collisions and (2) finite filling factors. Consideration is given to the derivation of the equations for the local steady state, the low-optical-depth limit, and the steady state at finite filling factors (including the effects of collision inelasticity, spin degrees of freedom, and self-gravity). Numerical results are presented in extensive graphs and characterized in detail. The importance of distinguishing effects (1) and (2) at low optical depths is stressed, and the existence of vertical density profiles with layered structures at high filling factors is demonstrated.

Araki, Suguru↗

Dynamics of planetary rings

The modeling of the dynamics of particle collisions within planetary rings is discussed. Particles in the rings collide with one another because they have small random motions in addition to their orbital velocity. The orbital speed is roughly 10 km/s, while the random motions have an average speed of about a tenth of a millimeter per second. As a result, the particle collisions are very gentle. Numerical analysis and simulation of the ring dynamics, performed with the aid of a supercomputer, is outlined.

Araki, Suguru↗

Magnetic reconnection flares in the protoplanetary nebula and the possible origin of meteorite chondrules

A possible episodic heating mechanism that could account for chondrule formation is discussed. The mechanism involves the transient release of energy as a result of magnetic flares in the corona of the protosolar nebula. The possible magnetic behavior of the protosolar nebula is outlined, based on meteorite paleomagnetic evidence about the magnetic field of the protoplanetary nebula and observations of the behavior of magnetic fields. The thermal balance in the melting of a chondrule precursor dust ball is examined. Observational evidence supporting the proposed heating mechanism is presented.

Lavy, Eugene H.↗

The dynamics of particle disks. II - Effects of spin degrees of freedom

The present treatment of the thermal equilibria of differentially-rotating, axisymmetric disks consisting of identical, spin-possessing as well as translational DOF-possessing hard sphere particles characterizes these disks' dynamics by means of two novel parameters: (1) the tangential restitution coefficient, and (2) the dimensionless moment of inertia. It is established that rings composed of spinning particles can generally be thermally balanced within more restricted ranges of the optical depth, as well as at higher values of the normal restitution coefficient, than spinless rings. Mean spin is indefinite in the present framework of neglected finite particle-size effects.

Araki, Suguru↗