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3D Direct Simulation Monte Carlo Modelling of the Inner Gas Coma of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko: A Parameter Study

Kührt, E.; Keller, H. U.; Knollenberg, J. +9 more

Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) is a powerful numerical method to study rarefied gas flows such as cometary comae and has been used by several authors over the past decade to study cometary outflow. However, the investigation of the parameter space in simulations can be time consuming since 3D DSMC is computationally highly intensive. For the…

Space Weather at Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko Before its Perihelion

Odstrcil, D.; Goldstein, R.; Richter, I. +8 more

Interplanetary scintillation observations, as well as the ENLIL 3D-MHD model when employed either separately or in combination with the observations, enable the making of predictions of the solar wind density and speed at locations in the inner heliosphere. Both methods are utilized here to predict the arrival at the Rosetta spacecraft and its adj…

Transport and Distribution of Hydroxyl Radicals and Oxygen Atoms from H₂O Photodissociation in the Inner Coma of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko

Ip, Wing-Huen; Thomas, Nicolas; Lai, Ian-Lin +5 more

With a combination of the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) calculation and test particle computation, the ballistic transport process of the hydroxyl radicals and oxygen atoms produced by photodissociation of water molecules in the coma of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko is modelled. We discuss the key elements and essential features of such s…

Revisiting the Single-Fluid Modeling of the Solar Wind–Comet Interaction: Closer Look at the Cometosheath

Dryer, M.; Kartalev, M.; Keremidarska, V.

Earlier developed single fluid gas-dynamic model of solar wind–comet ionosphere interaction is applied to reveal some specifics in the morphology of the shocked "contaminated" solar wind region (cometosheath). The model is based on the Euler equations with added mass-loading, mass-loss and frictional force terms. Numerous reactions are taken into …