Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Palluconi, F. D..
Spacecraft design is discussed for probing Saturn's rings. Ring particles are also considered, emphasizing material outside of ring A and the hazard this might imply to a spacecraft crossing the ring plane beyond ring A.
In this review paper we first discuss the dimensions of major ring features and of the disk of the planet. We then summarize the observed photometric parameters, and because frozen H2O appears to be a major ring constituent, we compare the appropriate photometric properties of various forms of snow with those of the ring. We examine several ring models, noting certain characteristics that any model should supply. In our view, a physical means of accounting for the observed ring thickness of about 2 km is a prime requirement. There appears to be one model that presents no clear observational or theoretical inconsistency.
Design criteria relating to spacecraft intended to investigate the planets of Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto are presented. Assessments were made of the potential effects of environmental properties on vehicle performance. Pertinent data on the mass, radius, shape, mean density, rotational pole location, and mean orbital elements for the three planets are given in graphs and tables.
Numerical models of the atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn have been created for use in the development of design criteria for space vehicles intended to investigate these plants. These models provide a basis for the assessment of entry heating, the transmission and emission of radiation, and structural and aerodynamic interactions. The model atmospheres are based on data and analyses published in the literature through 1970. The composition is duscussed, and the relative amounts of each molecular species are tabulated for nominal and extreme cases. The structure of the atmospheric regions is discussed, and the principal features of one nominal and two limiting models for each planet are indicated. The models are illustrated by pressure-temperature profiles which also display the major cloud layers.
Survey of optical properties of Saturn ring system and establishment of physically reasonable ring models