EFFECT OF RADIOACTIVE DECAY ON THE THERMAL REGIME OF THE EARTH AND THE ROLE OF THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY IN THE THERMAL REGIME OF THE EARTH,

Abstract

A solution of the thermal conduction equation is given for a sphere which is heated internally by radioactive sources of heat, of an intensity decreasing with time. The solution, obtained by the method of reflections, is stated in terms of a rapidly converging series, which makes it possible to calculate the variation of temperature at any depth within the earth. Also given are the results of calculations of the internal temperature and the surface geothermic gradient for the case of a uniform distribution of radioactive elements throughout the volume of the earth and with the heat conductivity, thermal capacity and density constant at all points: that is, for a homogeneous model of the earth. Finally, the results of calculations of the temperature in a homogeneous earth-model under different assumptions are presented.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1954
Accession Number
AD0610903

Entities

People

  • E. A. Lyubimova

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Conduction (Heat Transfer)
  • Conductivity
  • Earth Models
  • Equations
  • Heat Capacity
  • Models
  • Radioactive Decay
  • Thermal Conductivity

Readers

  • Calculus or Mathematical Analysis
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.