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Title: Understanding the Transport Properties of Methane–Hydrogen Mixtures under the Interior Conditions of Ice Giants

Journal Article · · The Astrophysical Journal
ORCiD logo [1]; ORCiD logo [2]; ORCiD logo [3]; ORCiD logo [4]
  1. Univ. Rostock (Germany); Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden (Germany)
  2. Sorbonne Univ., Palaiseau (France). Inst. Polytechnique de Paris
  3. Univ. Rostock (Germany); SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States)
  4. Univ. Rostock (Germany)
+ Show Author Affiliations

Inaccuracy in our knowledge of the transport properties of relevant mixtures under planetary interior conditions is a roadblock in predicting the observable properties of planets in our solar system and beyond. In this work, we investigate methane–hydrogen mixtures using data sets obtained from density functional theory calculations for the electronic structure, combined with molecular dynamics simulations for the ions for a wide range of pressure and temperature. Hydrogen concentration significantly affects the equation of state (EOS) but has little influence on transport properties. We provide an analytical expression to model thermal EOS and transport properties as a function of hydrogen content, with the maximum deviation observed at low P–T conditions. These insights are particularly relevant to improve the planetary models and enhance our ability to predict the properties of “ice” giants and beyond.

Research Organization:
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
German-Israeli Foundation for Scientific Research and Development; USDOE Office of Science (SC)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC02-76SF00515
OSTI ID:
3023688
Journal Information:
The Astrophysical Journal, Journal Name: The Astrophysical Journal Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 990; ISSN 0004-637X; ISSN 1538-4357
Publisher:
IOP PublishingCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Figures / Tables (72)

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