Obliquity dependence of the tangential YORP

Abstract

Context. Tangential YORP is a thermophysical effect that can alter the rotation rate of asteroids and is distinct from the "normal" YORP effect, but to date has only been studied for asteroids with zero obliquity. Aims. The tangential YORP force produced by spherical boulders on the surface of an asteroid with an arbitrary obliquity is studied. Methods. A finite element method is used to simulate heat conductivity inside a boulder, to find the recoil force experienced by it. Then an ellipsoidal asteroid uniformly covered by such boulders is considered and the torque is numerically integrated over its surface. Results. Tangential YORP is found to operate on non-zero obliquities and decreases by a factor of 2 for increasing obliquity.