Periodic Reporting for period 1 - YPB (Young planetesimal belts)
Período documentado: 2022-12-01 hasta 2024-11-30
Our Solar system is composed of eight planets and also a large number of smaller bodies, grouped mainly in two belts: the main asteroid belt and the Kuiper belt. Other stars are frequently also surrounded by such belts. These distant belts are mainly studied through observations of the dust produced in collisions of the planetesimals. Unlike in the Solar system, the extrasolar planetesimal belts sometimes also contain a high amount of gas. The gas can affect the small dust particles and our inferences about the planetesimals. This project objectives focused on understanding the gas-dust interaction by developing detailed computational models of these systems. Such models are needed to interpret existing and future observations of extrasolar planetary systems.
Through use of existing and development of novel computational methods, structure and evolution of extrasolar planetesimal belts was studied. The activities performed can be divided into three parts. First, a novel computational approach was developed that describes collisional evolution of planetesimal belts accounting for the belt vertical structure. Second, dust-gas interaction in planetesimal belts was studied with application to new observations of a particular gas-rich extrasolar planetesimal belt. Third, training activities were completed including regular academic activities within the host group, hands-on training on the use of local computing facilities and supervision of Bachelor students. The main achievements of the project are the scientific progress on our understanding of the vertical structure of extrasolar planetesimal belts and the dust-gas interaction within these systems, and the two-way transfer of knowledge between the fellow and the host institution.
The project resulted in moving our knowledge on extrasolar planetesimal belts beyond the state of the art mainly in two aspects: improved understanding of the role of collisional damping in shaping the vertical structure of planetesimal belts, and application of dust-gas interaction theory to observations of an extrasolar planetesimal belt allowing for inferences to be made about the nature of the gas in this system. To ensure further uptake of the results, immediate dissemination activities are being currently performed. Further research and application to a larger number of astrophysical observations will build upon the achieved results to help us understand the evolution of planetary systems outside of the Solar system.