Realistic material properties of porous agglomerates to model collisions between preplanetesimals

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Roland Speith
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2007 to 2010
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 35327262

One of the early stages during the planet formation process includes the transition from meter-sized preplanetesimals to larger objects by collisional growth. Numerical simulations have shown that collisions between rocky planetesimals with velocities between 10 and 100 m/s lead to fragmentation and disruption and not to the formation of larger objects. Recent observations indicate that preplanetesimals consist of rather highly porous agglomerates than solid rock materials. In order to study the growth of preplanetesimals numerically, a realistic physical model is needed to describe such highly porous agglomerates. We will develop a comprehensive porosity model for highly porous agglomerates that includes a sophisticated damage model for the evolution and formation of cracks. The model will be applicable for the simulation of high and low velocity collisions between preplanetesimals. We expect important insight from the model for the formation process of terrestrial planets and the cores of gas giants.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Participating Person: Professor Dr. Wilhelm Kley (†)