Research Group: Physics & Chemistry of Planetary Interiors

Introduction: 

Using numerical simulation and data analysis to explore the internal structure, interior composition, internal dynamics of planets in solar system and beyond, as well as their satellites

Our team is conducting research in the following fields:

    ·  Internal Structure and Thermal Evolution of Gas Giants     

1 

2

Observations in Shape/Gravity/Rotation/Magnetic/Tide
---to see through what is inside a giant planet --

    ·  Ab initio Calculation of High-Pressure Equations of State     

3

J. M. McMahon et al., RMP 84 (2012) 1607

     

4

Helium in molecular hydrogen

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Helium in metallic hydrogen

H and He, the simplest elements, display remarkable properties under extreme conditions of pressure and temperature.        First-principles Simulations of H-He mixtures: “fundamental” particles: electrons and nuclei Interactions: Coulomb potentials

 

    ·  Molecular Dynamic Simulation of Planetary Matter     

6

Patt & Picaud., ACS Earth Space Chem, 2021

Planetary hydrate is an important form of occurrence of small molecule gases(Such as CH4, H2, CO2,NH3). The impact of its formation and decomposition on the interstellar environment by Molecular dynamics simulation, which can provide ideas for the subsequent development and utilization of interstellar energy.

                   

7

Gainey et al., Icarus, 2012

    ·  Interiors of the Moon & Terrestrial Planets     

8

Interior structurethermal evolution formation

Harada et al. (2014) Nature Geosciences

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    ·  Geodetic Surveys of the Moon & Terrestrial Planets     

 10\

The Moon

Shape · Gravity · Rotation

Theory ←Observation

www.nao.ac.jp/en/news/science/2014/20140807-rise.html

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Team Members:

 

Name

Title/Position

Key-Areas

Contact

SSI Academic DongdongNi 60x85

Ni, Dong Dong

Associate Professor
Group Head

  • Interior structure and evolution of Jovian planet;
  • Ground ice stability on Mars;
  • Interior structure of rocky exoplanets;

ddni@
must.edu.mo

DarioAlfe

Dario Alfè

Distinguished Professor

 

ZhaoYong

Zhao, Yong

Assistant Professor

  • Geochemistry, planetary internal structure;
  • Subduction Zone, Water Content in the Mantle Source

yozhao@
must.edu.mo

ZhangMingMin

Zhang, Ming Min

Postdoctoral
Fellow

  • Planetary Hydrate Evolution;

mmzhang@
must.edu.mo

YuShuoRan

Yu, Shuo Ran

Postdoctoral
Fellow

  • Mantle convection & heat transfer;
  • Numerical modeling;

sryu@
must.edu.mo