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Modeling of the thermal behavior and of the chemical differentiation of cometary nuclei

Schmitt, B.; Espinasse, S.; Klinger, J. +1 more

Taking into account the low values of average density reported for Comet P/Halley, a model of a porous comet nucleus has been developed. The model includes heat conduction through the solid matrix and heat and mass transfers due to the vapor phase circulating in the pore system. Sublimation and recondensation of volatile species within the nucleus…