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The behavior of radiogenic particles at solidification fronts.
Francisco J Arias1, Geoffrey T Parks2
1Department of Fluid Mechanics, University of Catalonia, ESEIAAT C/ Colom 11, 08222 Barcelona, Spain; Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ, United Kingdom.
Journal of Environmental Radioactivity
|December 24, 2016
Summary
Radiogenic particles behave differently than classical particles during solidification, being rejected rather than engulfed. This thermally driven mechanism has implications for environmental impact and technological applications.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Understanding particle behavior at solidification fronts is crucial for environmental and industrial processes.
- Classical particle behavior during solidification involves engulfment by the front.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the thermal behavior of insoluble radiogenic particles at a solidification front.
- To determine the mechanism driving radiogenic particle interaction with solidification fronts.
- To derive a model predicting particle engulfment versus rejection.
Main Methods:
- Adaptation of classical theoretical models using a simplified physical model.
- Analysis of particle-solidification front interactions under thermal influences.
Main Results:
- Radiogenic particles are preferentially rejected by solidification fronts, unlike classical particles which are typically engulfed.
- The particle rejection mechanism is thermally driven.
- An analytical expression for the critical solidification front velocity determining engulfment/rejection was derived.
Conclusions:
- The thermally driven rejection of radiogenic particles offers potential for novel engineering applications, such as radionuclide particle removal via induced solidification.
- Findings are relevant to planetary science, explaining potential radiogenic concentration leading to primordial body eruptions.
- Particle ejection dynamics can lead to localized hot spots due to increased concentration during solidification front movement.
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