MAMA: An Algebraic Map for the Secular Dynamics of Planetesimals in Tight Binary Systems

We present an algebraic map (MAMA) for the dynamical and collisional evolution of a planetesimal swarm orbiting the main star of a tight binary system (TBS). The orbital evolution of each planetesimal is dictated by the secular perturbations of the secondary star and gas drag due to interactions with a protoplanetary disk. The gas disk is assumed eccentric with a constant precession rate. Gravitational interactions between the planetesimals are ignored. All bodies are assumed coplanar.

A comparison with full N-body simulations shows that the map is of the order of 100 times faster, while preserving all the main characteristics of the full system. In a second part of the work, we apply MAMA to the \gamma-Cephei, searching for friendly scenarios that may explain the formation of the giant planet detected in this system. For low-mass protoplanetary disks, we find that a low-eccentricity static disk aligned with the binary yields impact velocities between planetesimals below the disruption threshold. All other scenarios appear hostile to planetary formation.

A. M. Leiva, J. A. Correa-Otto, C. Beauge (Submitted on 1 Oct 2013)

Subjects: Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP)

Cite as: arXiv:1310.0477 [astro-ph.EP]

(or arXiv:1310.0477v1 [astro-ph.EP] for this version) Submission history From: Leiva Alejandro Martin A. M. Leiva [v1] Tue, 1 Oct 2013 20:13:00 GMT (1553kb)