CAREER: Next Generation Models of Planet Formation and Evolution

人们认为，原行星，即最终形成行星的天体，是在我们太阳系的早期生命中由一种被称为吸积的过程形成的。当然，这个过程不能直接研究。关于如何在离太阳不同的距离处进行吸积，我们知之甚少。这里提出的工作将通过使用复杂的计算机建模技术来解决太阳系开发的问题。调查人员还将重新评估巨型行星和外太阳系柯伊伯带的发展。他将在俄克拉何马州自然历史博物馆萨姆·诺布尔博物馆建立天文学和行星科学教育项目。他将为参观学校团体设计课堂计划，并将其添加到博物馆的发现工具包目录中，这些工具包可以在全州免费借阅。这里提出的工作将使用GPU加速的N体代码来直接模拟通过失控和寡头生长来构建岩石原行星。同样的代码将被用来建立早期外太阳系动态演化的自洽模型。最后，他将使用一种新的N体算法来了解半人马座阿尔法星系和其他多恒星系统中行星和三恒星动力学之间的相互作用。这一奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力优势和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

It is thought that protoplanets, the bodies that eventually gave rise to planets, formed by a process known as accretion during the early life of our Solar System. This process cannot, of course, be studied directly. Little is known about how accretion proceeds at different distances from the Sun. The work proposed here will address questions of Solar System development by using sophisticated computer modeling techniques. The investigator will also reassess the development of the giant planets and the Kuiper Belt of the outer Solar System. He will establish astronomy and planetary science education programs at the Sam Noble Museum, Oklahoma's state natural history museum. He will design classroom programs for visiting school groups as well as adding to the museum's catalog of Discovery Kits, which can be loaned free of charge across the state.The work proposed here will use a GPU-accelerated N-body code to directly simulate the construction of rocky protoplanets via runaway and oligarchic growth. The same code will be used to build a self-consistent model of the dynamical evolution of the early outer solar system. Finally, he will use a new N-body algorithm to understand the interplay between planetary and triple star dynamics within the Alpha Centauri and other multiple star systems.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.