Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2004-06-30
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
25 pages, 15 figures, 2 tables, accepted for publication in Icarus
Scientific paper
10.1016/j.icarus.2004.06.012
The significant orbital eccentricities of most giant extrasolar planets may have their origin in the gravitational dynamics of initially unstable multiple planet systems. In this work, we explore the dynamics of two close planets on inclined orbits through both analytical techniques and extensive numerical scattering experiments. We derive a criterion for two equal mass planets on circular inclined orbits to achieve Hill stability, and conclude that significant radial migration and eccentricity pumping of both planets occurs predominantly by 2:1 and 5:3 mean motion resonant interactions. Using Laplace-Lagrange secular theory, we obtain analytical secular solutions for the orbital inclinations and longitudes of ascending nodes, and use those solutions to distinguish between the secular and resonant dynamics which arise in numerical simulations. We also illustrate how encounter maps, typically used to trace the motion of massless particles, may be modified to reproduce the gross instability seen by the numerical integrations. Such a correlation suggests promising future use of such maps to model the dynamics of more coplanar massive planet systems.
Armitage Philip J.
Veras Dimitri
No associations
LandOfFree
The Dynamics of Two Massive Planets on Inclined Orbits does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with The Dynamics of Two Massive Planets on Inclined Orbits, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Dynamics of Two Massive Planets on Inclined Orbits will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-59832