N-Body simulation of gravitational interaction between planetesimals and a protoplanet. I : velocity distribution of planetesimals

摘要: Abstract The distribution of eccentricities e and inclinations i planetesimals is investigated by direct N -body simulations. This governs the strength dynamical friction to a protoplanet embedded in planetesimals, consequently influences how planetary accretion proceeds, since drives runaway growth protoplanet. We examined , -distribution obtained three-dimensional simulation identical 400 particles found that it expressed Gaussian with high accuracy. Theoretical argument shows under expected be strong enough depress values satisfying energy equipartition those planetesimals. result supports existence growth.