Phase equilibria in gas mixtures at high pressures: Implications for planetary structures

Abstract

An understanding of phase equilibria in gas mixtures under pressure is essential to the study of the deep-atmosphere and interior structures of the outer planets. The results of experiments on phase equilibria in mixtures of He with Ar and N 2, at pressures up to 10 000 atm, are presented, and serve as the basis for a discussion of the characteristics of phase diagrams for two-component gas mixtures at high pressures. The application of these results to problems of planetary interiors is briefly discussed. A brief description of the experimental method is included.