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SUMMARY:Quantum modelling of the interiors of rocky and icy planets - Dr A
 ndreas Hermann\, The University of Edinburgh
DTSTART:20180315T141500Z
DTEND:20180315T151500Z
UID:TALK94525@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Bartomeu Monserrat
DESCRIPTION:Accurate models of the interior structure of planetary bodies\
 , in our or other solar systems\, are key to understanding their formation
  and many of their properties. For instance\, the stratification (or lack 
 thereof) of molecular mixtures inside icy planets' mantles influences thei
 r luminosity and cooling rates\; and the presence (or not) of water stored
  inside rocky planets' mantles influences their convection rates\, the mag
 nitude of plate tectonics and presence of surface water. But direct measur
 ements of planetary interiors are virtually impossible and laboratory expe
 riments are difficult\, which is why first-principles calculations can mak
 e important contributions. In my talk I will give an overview of our ongoi
 ng research aimed at a better understanding of planetary materials using e
 lectronic structure calculations. I will focus on hydrogen-containing syst
 ems and discuss the phase evolution of icy mixtures relevant inside Neptun
 e-like bodies\, and the stabilisation of new forms of hydrous minerals ins
 ide silicate-based rocky bodies.
LOCATION:TCM Seminar Room\, Cavendish Laboratory
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