A technique to simulate melting probe´s movement and to estimate penetration velocities´ range

This paper considers some problems related to penetration through thick ice layer and to study effectiveness of a melting probe like instrument for penetration through thick Jovian´s moon Europa icy surface. A melting probe´s movement model creation, verification and validation, as well as studying a melting process in general is discussed. To create the simulation model of the melting probe´s movement a mathematical model based on theory of “solid water” was developed. Model verification was based on experiments carried out by the Austrian Academy of Sciences.