Planetesimal accretion in binary star systems

TL;DR

This paper investigates the conditions under which planetesimals can grow into planets in binary star systems by simulating their accretion processes considering gravitational perturbations and gas drag effects.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive numerical model that includes secular perturbations and gas drag, deriving parameter limits for planet formation in binary systems.

Findings

Identifies binary system parameters conducive to planetesimal accretion.

Determines a critical radial distance for accumulation in circumbinary disks.

Validates N-body simulations with hydrodynamical models.

Abstract

Numerical simulations of planetesimal accretion in circumprimary and circumbinary orbits are described. The secular perturbations by the com- panion star and gas drag are included in our models. We derive limits on the parameters of the binary system for which accretion and then planetary forma- tion are possible. In the circumbinary case we also outline the radial distance from the baricenter of the stars beyond which accumulation always occurs. Hy- drodynamical simulations are also presented to validate our N-body approach based on the axisymmetric approximation for the gas of the disk.