Non-equilibrium melting of partially differentiated asteroids: insights from partial melting experiments on L6 chondrite DAV01001

Planetary differentiation in small bodies is believed to be ruled by several partial end-states that were dominated by low degrees of partial melting and melt segregation, before arriving at the formation of rocky planets. Having a better understanding of non-equilibrium melting processes in undifferentiated chondritic materials is critical to characterize planetary differentiation processes and the formation of rocky planets and differentiated asteroids. In this context, partial melting experiments of natural chondrites can provide unique insights into the petrological evolution associated with early planetary differentiation of planetesimals. For this study, we performed partial melting experiments using fragments from the ordinary chondrite DAV01001. Experiments were performed in a piston-cylinder at 1 GPa pressure, at temperatures from 1100 to 1300 °C and for 24 hours run duration. Reducing conditions were imposed by the use of graphite capsules. The experimental products were analysed using electron microprobe and synchrotron radiation computed microtomography (SR-µCT).