Computer Science
Scientific paper
Oct 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011epsc.conf.1376n&link_type=abstract
EPSC-DPS Joint Meeting 2011, held 2-7 October 2011 in Nantes, France. http://meetings.copernicus.org/epsc-dps2011, p.1376
Computer Science
Scientific paper
The size-frequency distribution (SFD) in the cold classical Kuiper belt (CKB) can be approximated by two idealized power laws: one with steep slope for radii R > R and one with shallow slope for R < R , where R 25-50 km. Previous works suggested that the SFD roll-over at R can be the result of extensive collisional grinding ([5]). Here we use a new code to test the effect of collisions in the Kuiper belt. We find that the observed roll-over could be explained by collisional grinding provided that the initial mass in large bodies was much larger than the one in the present Kuiper belt, and was dynamically depleted. In addition to the size distribution changes, our code also tracks the effects of collisions on binary systems. We find that the extensive collisional grinding required to produce the SFD roll-over at R would imply a strong gradient of the binary fraction with R and separation, because it is generally easier to dissolve binaries with small components and/or those with wide orbits. The present observational data do not show such a gradient. This may indicate that the roll-over was not produced by disruptive collisions, but is instead a fossil remnant of the KBO formation process.
Bottke William F.
Nesvorný David
Noll Keith
Vokrouhlicky David
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