The physics of planetesimal formationPhysical processes involved in the planetesimal formation are discussed with special attention given to the nature of aerodynamic interactions between solid bodies and gas in the solar nebula. It is emphasized that the model of planetesimal formation by gravitational instability of a dust layer yields predictions that are simple but almost certainly wrong. It is suggested instead that the formation of planetesimals began with the process of coagulation of grains into larger aggregates, and that gravitational forces became more important than gas drag only after objects as large as many meters in diameter had formed.
Document ID
19900044203
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Weidenschilling, Stuart J. (Planetary Science Institute Tucson, AZ, United States)
Donn, Bertram D. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Meakin, Paul (Du Pont de Nemours and Co., Central Research and Development Dept., Wilmington DE, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1989
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: Formation and Evolution of Planetary Systems