Two-and three-layer models of Uranus

G. P. Horedt; W. B. Hubbard

doi:10.1007/BF00930949

Two-and three-layer models of Uranus

G. P. Horedt, W. B. Hubbard

Lunar and Planetary Lab

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present simple two-layer models of Uranus with rocky core and polytropic envelope satisfying exactly the observed mass, radius and the gravitational moments. The models show that the value of the fourth order zonal harmonic is J₄ ≲-38×10^-6, while J₆ ≈ 10^-6. More elaborate threelayer models fail to satisfy the observational constraints of the ice/rock ratio and/or of the rotation period. We conclude that three-layer models with uniform chemical composition in each layer may be too restrictive. More realistic models should account for variable chemical composition within each layer.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	229-236
Number of pages	8
Journal	The Moon and the Planets
Volume	29
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00930949
State	Published - Dec 1983

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Astronomy and Astrophysics
Space and Planetary Science
Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)

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AU - Hubbard, W. B.

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AB - We present simple two-layer models of Uranus with rocky core and polytropic envelope satisfying exactly the observed mass, radius and the gravitational moments. The models show that the value of the fourth order zonal harmonic is J4 ≲-38×10-6, while J6 ≈ 10-6. More elaborate threelayer models fail to satisfy the observational constraints of the ice/rock ratio and/or of the rotation period. We conclude that three-layer models with uniform chemical composition in each layer may be too restrictive. More realistic models should account for variable chemical composition within each layer.

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Two-and three-layer models of Uranus

Abstract

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