Disk Dispersal and the Stability of Planetary Systems

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AST-0206366PI WardThis program will target an important stage in solar system history, namely, the dispersal of the solar nebular disk out of which the planets formed, and the effects of this on the dynamical state of the remnant planetary system. Depending on how fast this disk material dissipates and the method by which it is removed, serious disturbances to the orbital properties of the planets may occur owing to their gravitational interactions. Orbits may evolve in size and shape to sweep throughout large regions of the disk especially effecting the terrestrial planets, asteroids, and cometary objects. New dynamical interactions may be found, and this work will likely provide new constraints on later stages of planet formation. The project will employ both analytical and numerical approaches taking into account extensive advances made over the last two decades in our understanding of planet-disk interactions.***