Two- and three-layer models of Uranus

Abstract

Simple two-layer models of Uranus with rocky core and polytropic envelope satisfying exactly the observed mass, radius and the gravitational moments are presented. The models show that the value of the fourth order zonal harmonic is less than about -38 x 10 to the -6th, while J(6) is roughly 10 to the -6th. More elaborate three-layer models fail to satisfy the observational constraints of the ice/rock ratio and/or of the rotation period. It is concluded that three-layer models with uniform chemical composition in each layer may be too restrictive. More realistic models should account for variable chemical composition within each layer.