Experimental study using containerless laser melting of silicates with respect to understanding chondrule formation

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Chondrules are 0.1 – 1 mm large igneous spherules. They are a major component of chondritic meteorites. Understanding the mechanism that formed chondrules in the early solar nebula remains one of the main challenges in meteoritics. We will conduct experiments using a containerless melting device to reproduce the chemistry, mineralogy, textures and isotope composition of chondrules. Textures and chemical composition of phases in experimental run products will be compared to natural samples and to results from thermodynamic modeling. Melting and cooling at elevated pressures will be tested with respect of explaining retention of Na during chondrule melting. Finally, chondrule crystallization experiments will be conducted in order to investigate the exchange of oxygen between chondrules and a H2Ocontaining gas phase. The goal of the study is the better understanding of chondrules and the process of their formation.