Presentation Information
[PPS01-P20]Development of a compact low-temperature experimental system for simulating low-velocity collisions of Saturn’s ring particles
*Yukari M. Toyoda1,2 (1.Astrobiology Center, 2.National Astronomical Observatory of Japan)
Keywords:
Saturn’s rings,Protoplanetary disks,Ice,Impact experiments
This study presents the development of a laboratory experimental system operated under low-temperature conditions for improving our understanding of collisional processes among ring particles in Saturn’s A and B rings. Saturn’s rings are primarily composed of water-ice particles with sizes ranging from millimeters to meters. Because the particle number density is high, mutual collisions among particles are considered to dominate the dynamical evolution of the rings. The relative collision velocity between ring particles is typically on the order of several cm s-1, and understanding energy dissipation processes and collision outcomes under such low-velocity conditions is essential for discussing the evolution of ring structures.
Collision experiments using ice samples require low-temperature environments in order to maintain stable physical properties and surface conditions of ice. Previous experimental studies have employed both cold-room experiments, in which the entire experimental space is maintained at low temperature [1], and temperature-controlled chamber experiments, in which samples are cooled inside a double-walled chamber equipped with observation windows and glove access [2]. Both approaches have enabled collision experiments under controlled thermal conditions of icy samples.
However, cold-room experiments generally have high installation costs, limited facility availability, and operational constraints that make long-duration experiments difficult. In this study, we reconstruct the concept of the previously developed low-temperature chamber experiments based on modern experimental environments and measurement techniques. The developed system is a compact low-temperature experimental system that can be installed in a standard laboratory environment and enables continuous and systematic laboratory experiments using ice samples.
In the developed system, a compact temperature-controlled chamber is used to maintain a low-temperature environment of approximately -15 deg C, allowing low-velocity collision experiments using ice samples. The system is equipped with observation windows, access ports for sample handling, and cable feedthroughs, enabling measurements of translational motion before and after impact using a laser displacement meter. The internal space is designed to be sufficiently large for low-velocity collision experiments, and the impact velocity can be controlled by adjusting the drop height. This system enables laboratory experiments using ice samples without the need for a conventional cold room.
The scientific objective of this study is to establish an experimental system that enables stable ice-particle collision experiments for investigating energy dissipation processes and collision outcomes in low-velocity collisions among Saturn’s ring particles. Furthermore, the experimental approach developed in this study is expected to be applicable to other laboratory experiments involving low-temperature ice-particle collisions, such as those relevant to protoplanetary disks.
The system is currently under installation and operational verification. In this presentation, we report the construction of the low-temperature environment and experimental conditions for collision experiments, and present results from low-velocity collision experiments using ice samples. The effectiveness of the developed system is discussed through comparisons with previous experimental studies.
Collision experiments using ice samples require low-temperature environments in order to maintain stable physical properties and surface conditions of ice. Previous experimental studies have employed both cold-room experiments, in which the entire experimental space is maintained at low temperature [1], and temperature-controlled chamber experiments, in which samples are cooled inside a double-walled chamber equipped with observation windows and glove access [2]. Both approaches have enabled collision experiments under controlled thermal conditions of icy samples.
However, cold-room experiments generally have high installation costs, limited facility availability, and operational constraints that make long-duration experiments difficult. In this study, we reconstruct the concept of the previously developed low-temperature chamber experiments based on modern experimental environments and measurement techniques. The developed system is a compact low-temperature experimental system that can be installed in a standard laboratory environment and enables continuous and systematic laboratory experiments using ice samples.
In the developed system, a compact temperature-controlled chamber is used to maintain a low-temperature environment of approximately -15 deg C, allowing low-velocity collision experiments using ice samples. The system is equipped with observation windows, access ports for sample handling, and cable feedthroughs, enabling measurements of translational motion before and after impact using a laser displacement meter. The internal space is designed to be sufficiently large for low-velocity collision experiments, and the impact velocity can be controlled by adjusting the drop height. This system enables laboratory experiments using ice samples without the need for a conventional cold room.
The scientific objective of this study is to establish an experimental system that enables stable ice-particle collision experiments for investigating energy dissipation processes and collision outcomes in low-velocity collisions among Saturn’s ring particles. Furthermore, the experimental approach developed in this study is expected to be applicable to other laboratory experiments involving low-temperature ice-particle collisions, such as those relevant to protoplanetary disks.
The system is currently under installation and operational verification. In this presentation, we report the construction of the low-temperature environment and experimental conditions for collision experiments, and present results from low-velocity collision experiments using ice samples. The effectiveness of the developed system is discussed through comparisons with previous experimental studies.