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Analytical Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy of Laboratory Impacts on Stardust Aluminium Foils: Interpreting Impact Crater Morphology and the Composition of Impact Residues.

Journal Article · · Meteoritics and Planetary Science, vol. 42, no. 2, February 1, 2007, pp. 191-210
OSTI ID:907825
The known encounter velocity (6.1kms{sup -1}) between the Stardust spacecraft and the dust emanating from the nucleus of comet Wild 2 has allowed realistic simulation of dust collection in laboratory experiments designed to validate analytical methods for the interpretation of dust impacts on the aluminium foil components of the Stardust collector. In this report we present information on crater gross morphology, the pre-existing major and trace element composition of the foil, geometrical issues for energy dispersive X-ray analysis of the impact residues in scanning electron microscopes, and the modification of dust chemical composition during creation of impact craters as revealed by analytical transmission electron microscopy. Together, these observations help to underpin the interpretation of size, density and composition for particles impacted upon the Stardust aluminium foils.
Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
907825
Report Number(s):
UCRL-JRNL-225844
Journal Information:
Meteoritics and Planetary Science, vol. 42, no. 2, February 1, 2007, pp. 191-210, Journal Name: Meteoritics and Planetary Science, vol. 42, no. 2, February 1, 2007, pp. 191-210 Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 42
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English