According to lead researcher Geoff Brooks of the University of Swinburne, "There are aspects of the science behind steelmaking that are very similar to that of planet formation.
"In steelmaking furnaces you will find molten metal, with a layer of crust on top. Similarly the centre of the Earth is molten metal, also with an outer crust."
The steel industry has developed models that show how extremely high temperatures can determine the grade of steel that is produced. The researchers are taking this know-how and applying it to the concept of planet formation.
"For example, if we look at an object that is entirely iron we are able to tell what temperature it has experienced. Working backwards, this then tells us what process it has gone through," Brooks said.
Added co-researcher Sarah Maddison: "The same principles can help them understand the earliest stages of planet formation".
