Ring satellite interaction in planetary rings
Abstract
The ringlet structure observed by the Pioneer and Voyager probes during their Saturn flybys is addressed. Particular interest lies in studying the angular momentum exchange between the satellite and the ring. Besides exerting the torque, the satellite perturbs streamlines of the ring particles. If the perturbation is strong enough, the normal viscous angular momentum transport in the rings typically leading to ringlet spreading can reverse its direction. Theoretical calculations show that this mechanism could be responsible for the sharp edges of the planetary rings. These results are verified in the terms of numerical simulations.
- Publication:
-
Finnish Physical Society Conference Proceedings
- Pub Date:
- 1991
- Bibcode:
- 1991fnps.confQ....H
- Keywords:
-
- Angular Momentum;
- Natural Satellites;
- Perturbation;
- Saturn Rings;
- Digital Simulation;
- Mathematical Models;
- Theorems;
- Lunar and Planetary Exploration