Dynamics of planetesimal formation and planetary accretionThe paper reviews the dynamical processes by which condensed matter in the solar nebula accumulates into planets. The basic processes are: (1) gravitational instability; (2) conversion of the radial gradient of orbital motion into random motion between planetesimals; and (3) collisions, which damp the random motion and result in aggregation and/or fragmentation of planetesimals. Each of these processes is defined analytically, and models, based on these results, of planetary growth, axial rotation rates, and formation of satellite systems are formulated.
Document ID
19790029029
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Other - Collected Works
Authors
Harris, A. W. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)