Abstract
We have examined cosmic ray interactions with silicate dust grains by simulating a thermal spike in a 1.25 million atom forsterite (Mg 2SiO 4) crystal with periodic boundaries. Spikes were generated by giving a kinetic energy of 1 or 2 eV to every atom within a cylinder of radius 1.73 nm along the [0 0 1] direction. An amorphous track of radius ∼3 nm was produced for the 2 eV/atom case, but practically no amorphization was produced for 1 eV/atom because of effective dynamic annealing. Chemical segregation was not observed in the track. These results agree with recent experimental studies of ion irradiation effects in silicates, and indicate that cosmic rays can cause the amorphization of interstellar dust.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
