Computation of Ellipsoidal Mass Distributions,
Abstract
The present report studies the computation of density distributions for the reference ellipsoid using a spherical-harmonic expansion to the second order in the flattening. The computational formulas are given and, as an example, a polynomial model is calculated. It is found that, for each density distribution in hydrostatic equilibrium, there exists a corresponding ellipsoidal configuration such that corresponding internal level surfaces have very nearly the same flattening. The deviations of ellipsoidal mass distributions from hydrostatic equilibrium figures are investigated, and formulas and numerical estimates are given for the separation between surfaces of constant density and surfaces of constant potential, and for nonhydrostatic stress differences. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0778829
Entities
People
- Helmut Moritz
Organizations
- Ohio State University