Coagulating iceteroidal 'fines'

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    Comet Nucleus
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties and potential handling of fine dust particles, referred to as 'fines', produced by comets and icy asteroids. Participants explore the implications of these fines in microgravity environments, their hazards, and possible methods for aggregation or welding in space applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants describe 'fines' as near-fractal, porous, and potentially hazardous if released into habitats, drawing parallels to lunar dust and its effects on astronauts.
  • Others provide analogies to industrial soot and volcanic ash, emphasizing the challenges posed by fine particles in various environments.
  • One participant questions the risk posed by the low density of material in a cometary tail, suggesting it may not be a serious threat.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the specific context of fines from icy asteroids or comets in pristine conditions, noting their potential hazards.
  • There is a proposal regarding the use of a 'wary plasma glow' to aggregate and weld fines, though this concept is met with questions about its definition.
  • A later reply introduces a relevant report about sintering lunar regolith analogs, suggesting practical applications for fine materials in space.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying views on the hazards posed by fines, with some suggesting they are comparable to lunar dust while others argue the risks may be minimal. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effectiveness and safety of using plasma for aggregation.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the complexity of the topic, with some expressing limitations in their knowledge about the technical aspects of plasma aggregation and the specific properties of fines.

Nik_2213
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As I understand it, a warmed comet nucleus or 'iceteroid' will out-gas as it crosses relevant 'ice lines', shed silicate dust ranging from cm-scale down to 'fines' unto electron microscopic.

As 'fines' are generally near-fractal, porous and 'fluffy', it is not useful as-is. Worse, too much has a size to cause lung-damage if unwarily freed into habitat atmosphere...

By accident, per lunar dust on Apollo suits, or to use gleaned silicate material to extend planter 'bedding'...

While still under micro-gravity, in vacuum, would a wary plasma 'glow' safely aggregate and 'weld' such fines ?

By analogy with the 'Young Sun' solar flares thought to have welded some of the primordial chondrites' / chondrules' constituents found in 'falls'...
 
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After a quick glance I could not figure out what you are talking about. Care to clarify?
 
Such 'fines' form the dust-tail if shed from a comet. IIRC, several asteroid probes met such. Like Moon-dust, it could be a significant problem for astronauts and their equipment..

Industrial analogy would be soot / ash shed from 'dirty' chimney. Electrostatic precipitators help, but require much maintenance.

Another analogy would be volcanic ash, the 'floaty' fraction that disperses far down-wind, is too-easily re-mobilised, wreaks havoc in machinery and lungs...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_soil
quote:
Lunar soil is the fine fraction of lunar regolith found on the surface of the Moon and contributes to the Moon's tenuous atmosphere. Lunar soil differs in its origin and properties significantly from terrestrial soil.

As the Moon's fine surface layer, lunar soil is picked up by even weak natural phenomena active at the Moon's surface, allowing it to be part of the Moon's scant atmosphere. It is easily disturbed and poses a significant hazard to exposed equipment and human health. The fine lunar soil is made of sharp and very adhesive particles, with a distinct gunpowder taste and smell. That said, lunar soil is prospected as a lunar resource, particularly for lunar in situ utilization, such as a lunar building material and soil for growing plants on the Moon.
/
 
The density of material in a cometary tail is very low. Almost certainly too low to ever pose a serious risk to anyone.
 
"Such 'fines' form the dust-tail if shed from a comet."

My query is about those 'fines' on an icy asteroid or before ejected from potential comet nucleus, latter perhaps in Kuiper Belt or 'Inner Oort' so pristine / minimally modified.

IIRC, the recent asteroid / comet fly-by / rendezvous / impact missions showed their varied surfaces, albeit at 'inner system' distances / environment, are hostile.

Agreed, the worst a comet tail can manage is a splendid shower of 'shooting stars' and/or terrify people due to spectroscopic detection of HCN...
 
Nik_2213 said:
My query is about those 'fines' on an icy asteroid or before ejected from potential comet nucleus, latter perhaps in Kuiper Belt or 'Inner Oort' so pristine / minimally modified.
I suppose the dust would be about as hazardous as dust from the Moon. What exactly are you wanting to know?
 
While still under micro-gravity, in vacuum, would a wary plasma 'glow' safely aggregate and 'weld' such fines ?
 
What is a 'wary plasma glow'?
 
  • #10
That I can't really answer. It's well beyond my level of knowledge in this area.
 
  • #11
Serendipity struck !!
https://phys.org/news/2024-07-microwave-sintering-space-brick-future.html
This is a wonderfully timely PhysOrg report on team that found powdered ilmenite, a workable 'Moon Dust' regolith analog, could be microwaved and compressed, sintered to real-neat 'bricks' suitable for shielding, corbelling, road-way 'sets' etc etc..

'Lunar Lego', in fact !!
:wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink:
 
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