Matter under extreme conditions as relevant for planetary interior and dynamo models

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Ronald Redmer
• Subject Area: Geophysics
• Term: from 2010 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 170172421

The goal of the project is to provide accurate input data for simulations of planetary dynamos and for models of planetary interiors. We will perform extensive ab initio molecular dynamics simulations based on finite-temperature density functional theory for matter under extreme conditions as relevant for the interiors of giant planets. The equation of state, the electrical and thermal conductivity, and the kinematic viscosity will be calculated for hydrogen and helium (Jupiter, Saturn) as well as for H2O, CH4, and NH3 (Uranus, Neptune). An important issue is the study of multi-component systems, starting from H-He mixtures, then allowing for additional components (C, N, O), and ultimately treating realistic planetary compositions (synthetic Neptune). The ab initio data will be used in the PlanetMag priority program (i) as input into numerical dynamo simulations, and (ii) to construct advanced interior models for solar giant planets. Thus, uncertainties of the equation of state, the electrical conductivity and viscosity in the fluid layers and in the core that are presently used in dynamo simulations can be reduced substantially. Combining structure and dynamo models in the PlanetMag priority program allows to develop interior models that are not only consistent with the gravity data but also with the magnetic field of the planet.

• DFG Programme: Priority Programmes
• Subproject of: SPP 1488: Planetary Magnetism (PlanetMag)