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A.A. Jackson (Lunar and Planetary Institute)
A simple model is constructed for the evolution of dust ejected from long period comets at perihelion. The initial distribution of particle states are modeled using the Whipple formula for the emission velocity of comet dust, then modification of the particle orbits by radiation pressure is accounted for. The initial ejected cloud and its lifetime then can be analytically computed. Using this information particles are drawn from a size distribution and ejected isotropically with a model velocity for the particles. This stream is then followed by numerical integration accounting for Poynting-Robertson drag and gravitational perturbations of the planets. The resulting orbital dynamics and evolution of the stream are analyzed to see what contribution they make to the solar system dust complex.