Probing the Interiors of the Ice Giants: Shock Compression of Water to 700 GPa and 3.8 g/cm³
Recently, there has been a tremendous increase in the number of identified extrasolar planetary systems. Our understanding of their formation is tied to exoplanet internal structure models, which rely upon equations of state of light elements and compounds such as water. Here, we present shock compression data for water with unprecedented accuracy that show that water equations of state commonly used in planetary modeling significantly overestimate the compressibility at conditions relevant to planetary interiors. Furthermore, we show that its behavior at these conditions, including reflectivity and isentropic response, is well-described by a recent first-principles based equation of state. These findings advocate that this water model be used as the standard for modeling Neptune, Uranus, and “hot Neptune” exoplanets and should improve our understanding of these types of planets.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 1099255
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review Letters, Journal Name: Physical Review Letters Vol. 108 Journal Issue: 9; ISSN 0031-9007
- Publisher:
- American Physical SocietyCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Web of Science
Similar Records
Phase Diagram and Physical Properties of H[subscript 2]O at High Pressures and temperatures: Applications to Planetary Interiors
Formation of diamonds in laser-compressed hydrocarbons at planetary interior conditions