September 14, 2021

Speaker: Alice Quillen (in-person)

Contact Information: aquillen@pas.rochester.edu

Title: Soft Astronomy

Abstract: Compact mass-spring models can measure remarkably small deformations while conserving angular momentum. We use them within an N-body code to simulate tidal evolution of viscoelastic spinning objects, tying simulated rheology to spin dynamics, orbital drift and the internal distribution of tidally generated heat. Discoveries made using this simulation technique include a resonant mechanism to tilt Pluto and Charon's minor satellites and a way to shut down Bi-YORP effect drift in binary asteroids with spin-synchronous secondaries. Recent missions have revealed that Near-Earth Object are comprised of rubble. With scaling laws developed for impact craters we relate laboratory experiments of granular systems to processes that take place on rubble asteroids. Laboratory experiments of impacts into polydisperse media show that ejecta tends to leave boulders stranded on the surface. Low velocity impacts are likely to ricochet. Empirical force laws characterizing lift and drag are dependent on substrate particle size. Short compressive flows and landslides can cause boulder alignment.

Visitor's Room: 125

Visit Schedule:

Monday (13 Sep 2021):

  • 10:30 am: Bop Penna @ IAS

  • 11:15 walk to Peyton Hall

  • 12:00 p.m: Lunch with graduate students (Jadwin Courtyard)

  • 12:30 p.m: Lunch with graduate students (Jadwin Courtyard)

  • 1:00 p.m.:

  • 1:30 p.m.:

  • 2:00 p.m.: Tansu Daylan (125 Peyton Hall; exoplanets, TESS)

  • 2:30 p.m.:

  • 3:00 p.m.: Michael Strauss (113 Peyton Hall; extragalactic, LSST)

  • 3:30 p.m.: Chris Spalding (128 Peyton Hall)

  • 4:00 p.m.: Dan Tamayo (110 Peyton Hall)

  • 4:30 p.m.: Sukanya 125 Peyton (visitor office)

  • 5:00 p.m.: Sukanya

  • 5:30 p.m.: Jeremy Goodman (129 Peyton?)

  • 6:00 p.m.: DINNER WITH HOST - meet in Grand Central

Dinner @ Blue Point Grill (maximum 4 people; students have priority)

1. Speaker: Alice Quillen

2. Faculty host: Jeremy Goodman

3. Postdoc host: Tansu Daylan

4. Sukanya Chakrabarti

Meeting at 18:15 in Grand Central