Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2007-06-24
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
accepted for publication in MNRAS
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2007.12145.x
We numerically investigate the possibility of planetesimal accretion in circumbinary disks, under the coupled influence of both stars' secular perturbations and friction due to the gaseous component of the protoplanetary disk. We focus on one crucial parameter: the distribution of encounter velocities between planetesimals in the 0.5 to 100km size range. An extended range of binary systems with differing orbital parameters is explored. The resulting encounter velocities are compared to the threshold velocities below which the net outcome of a collision is accumulation into a larger body instead of mass erosion. For each binary configuration, we derive the critical radial distance from the binary barycenter beyond which planetesimal accretion is possible. This critical radial distance is smallest for equal-mass binaries on almost circular orbits. It shifts to larger values for increasing eccentricities and decreasing mass ratio. The importance of the planetesimals' orbital alignments of planetesimals due to gas drag effects is discussed.
Marzari Francesco
Scholl Hans
Thébault Philippe
No associations
LandOfFree
Relative velocities among accreting planetesimals in binary systems: the circumbinary case 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 Relative velocities among accreting planetesimals in binary systems: the circumbinary case, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Relative velocities among accreting planetesimals in binary systems: the circumbinary case will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-704335