Abstract
A self-consistent system of the Boltzmann and the Poisson equations is
used to study the dynamical evolution of Saturn's main A, B, C rings
composed of discrete mutually gravitating particles. The simplified case
of rare collisions between identical particles, when the collision
frequency is smaller than the orbital frequency, is examined by
exploring in the Boltzmann equation a Krook model integral of
collisions. Equations describing the quasilinear (or weakly
nonlinear) stage of Jeans instability of small gravity perturbations in
Saturn's rings are derived and solved analytically. The theory, as
applied to Saturn's rings, predicts for several features, such as
numerous irregular Jeans-unstable density wakes, with size and spacing
between them of the order of 2pi h
| Original language | English GB |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 3168 |
| Journal | Geophysical Research Abstracts |
| State | Published - 1 Apr 2003 |