In the set of small icy satellites of Saturn recently imaged by the Voyager probes, the transition from irregularly shaped, strength-dominated objects to larger, gravity-dominated bodies with shapes roughly fitting the theoretical equilibrium figures can be observed. The transition occurs at a radius of 100 + or - 50 km, corresponding to a typical material strength on the order of 10 to the 7th dynes/sq cm. The cases of Mimas, Enceladus, Hyperion, Phoebe and the small coorbital and F-ring shepherding moons are discussed, comparing them with other bodies of similar size like Amalthea and the intermediate-sized asteroids. It is shown that an analysis of the shape data can often provide interesting clues on the physical properties, origin and collisional history of these objects.
The shapes and strengths of small icy satellites
MILANI COMPARETTI, ANDREA;NOBILI, ANNA MARIA;PAOLICCHI, PAOLO;
1985-01-01
Abstract
In the set of small icy satellites of Saturn recently imaged by the Voyager probes, the transition from irregularly shaped, strength-dominated objects to larger, gravity-dominated bodies with shapes roughly fitting the theoretical equilibrium figures can be observed. The transition occurs at a radius of 100 + or - 50 km, corresponding to a typical material strength on the order of 10 to the 7th dynes/sq cm. The cases of Mimas, Enceladus, Hyperion, Phoebe and the small coorbital and F-ring shepherding moons are discussed, comparing them with other bodies of similar size like Amalthea and the intermediate-sized asteroids. It is shown that an analysis of the shape data can often provide interesting clues on the physical properties, origin and collisional history of these objects.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
