Implications of Tidal Dissipation in the Inner Uranian Satellites
Abstract
Uranus hosts a system of at least 13 small (R ~ 10 - 80km) satellites orbiting near the planet (a ~ 1.9 - 3.7Ru). Dynamical scaling arguments and orbital integrations have shown that mutual gravitational interactions drive some of the inner satellites to crossing orbits on timescales of 10^5 to 10^7 years [1, 2]. Using a simple model for tidal dissipation in rubble piles, scaling arguments and numerical simulations, we are investigating how tidal dissipation in the uranian satellites affects their orbital evolution. We will present initial results of this study and discuss the implications for the orbital history and stability of the system, the interior structure of the satellites and the nature of tidal dissipation within them.
- Publication:
-
European Planetary Science Congress
- Pub Date:
- September 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013EPSC....8..805C