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Numerical simulation of circulation of the Titan’s atmosphere: Interpretation of measurements of the Huygens probe

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Abstract

The results of numerical simulation of the general circulation in the Titan’s atmosphere at heights from 0 to 250 km are presented, obtained using a new model based on numerical solution of complete equations of motion of viscous compressible gas at the temperature distribution given by an empirical model. The model uses no hydrostatic equation and, as compared with traditional models, has higher resolution in vertical and over horizon. The results presented differ from results of other models and agree with the vertical profile of the zonal component of wind velocity measured by the Huygens spacecraft. Interpretation of this profile is given, including its main peculiarity consisting in a nonmonotonic behavior at heights from 60 to 75 km.

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Original Russian Text © I.V. Mingalev, V.S. Mingalev, O.V. Mingalev, B. Kazeminejad, H. Lammer, H. K. Birnat, H.I.M. Lihteneger, K. Schvingenschu, H.O. Ruker, 2009, published in Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, 2009, Vol. 47, No. 2, pp. 134–145.

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Mingalev, I.V., Mingalev, V.S., Mingalev, O.V. et al. Numerical simulation of circulation of the Titan’s atmosphere: Interpretation of measurements of the Huygens probe. Cosmic Res 47, 114–125 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0010952509020038

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0010952509020038

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