High-resolution simulations of planetesimal formation in turbulent protoplanetary discs

Abstract

We present high resolution computer simulations of dust dynamics and planetesimal formation in turbulence triggered by the magnetorotational instability. Particles representing approximately meter-sized boulders clump in large scale overpressure regions in the simulation box. These overdensities readily contract due to the combined gravity of the particles to form gravitationally bound clusters with masses ranging from a few to several ten times the mass of the dwarf planet Ceres. Gravitationally bound clumps are observed to collide and merge at both moderate and high resolution. The collisional products form the top end of a distribution of planetesimal masses ranging from less than one Ceres mass to 35 Ceres masses. It remains uncertain whether collisions are driven by dynamical friction or underresolution of clumps. © International Astronomical Union 2011.