Hybrid dust-tracking method for modeling Io's Tvashtar volcanic plume

A novel computational technique was used to simulate eruptions from Io's Tvashtar Catena region better understand the origin of visible structure gas/particulate plumes observed by New Horizons spacecraft in its 2007 flyby Jovian system. The direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method produce number density, temperature, and velocity fields for SO2 gas erupting rectangular vents aspect ratio 1:1, 3:1, 10:1, 15:1. Simulations particles entrained were subsequently conducted a separate MATLAB injecting at vent propagating them through plume interpolating fields. temperature density implement particle growth model which grains grow/shrink via condensation/sublimation. With these simulations, we investigated plume's lack prominent spout, how particulate structures are transformed as they move this could filamentary structure, traveling canopy wave some images. showed that presence an observable spout given image can depend on several factors including ratio, observer vantage point, size, eruption frequency. Several possible explanations images explored, most plausible is pulsed infrequently rather than being emitted continuous spray. transformation travel depends primarily structure's vent. emission concentrated regions similar those seen images, but appearance such highly dependent observer's point. replicated varying degrees, with two different mass flux functions: pulsing out thin cracks parallel vent's long axis. frequency 10–15 min, latter function able replicate, broad sense, much interesting filaments, wave, spout.