Planetesimal capture by an evolving giant gaseous protoplanet

Morris Podolak, Nader Haghighipour

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Both the core-accretion and disk-instability models suggest that at the last stage of the formation of a gas-giant, the core of this object is surrounded by an extended gaseous envelope. At this stage, while the envelope is contracting, planetesimals from the protoplanetary disk may be scattered into the protoplanets atmosphere and deposit some or all of their materials as they interact with the gas. We have carried out extensive simulations of approximately 104 planetesimals interacting with a envelope of a Jupiter-mass protoplanet including effects of gas drag, heating, and the effect of the protoplanets extended mass distribution. Simulations have been carried out for different radii and compositions of planetesimals so that all three processes occur to different degrees. We present the results of our simulations and discuss their implications for the enrichment of ices in giant planets. We also present statistics for the probability of capture (i.e. total mass-deposition) of planetesimals as a function of their size, composition, and closest approach to the center of the protoplanetary body.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFormation, Detection, and Characterization of Extrasolar Habitable Planets
PublisherCambridge University Press
Pages263-269
Number of pages7
EditionS293
ISBN (Print)9781107033825
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronomical Union
NumberS293
Volume8
ISSN (Print)1743-9213
ISSN (Electronic)1743-9221

Keywords

  • methods: n-body simulations
  • planets and satellites: formation
  • solar system: formation

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