[FPSPACE] Formation and Collisional Evolution of Kuiper Belt Objects

[LARRY KLAES]

Formation and Collisional Evolution of Kuiper Belt Objects

Authors: Scott J. Kenyon, Benjamin C. Bromley, David P. O'Brien, Donald R. 
Davis

(Submitted on 2 Apr 2007)

Abstract: This chapter summarizes analytic theory and numerical calculations 
for the formation and collisional evolution of KBOs at 20--150 AU. We 
describe the main predictions of a baseline self-stirring model and show how 
dynamical perturbations from a stellar flyby or stirring by a giant planet 
modify the evolution. Although robust comparisons between observations and 
theory require better KBO statistics and more comprehensive calculations, 
the data are broadly consistent with KBO formation in a massive disk 
followed by substantial collisional grinding and dynamical ejection. 
However, there are important problems reconciling the results of coagulation 
and dynamical calculations. Contrasting our current understanding of the 
evolution of KBOs and asteroids suggests that additional observational 
constraints, such as the identification of more dynamical families of KBOs 
(like the 2003 EL61 family), would provide additional information on the 
relative roles of collisional grinding and dynamical ejection in the Kuiper 
Belt. The uncertainties also motivate calculations that combine collisional 
and dynamical evolution, a `unified' calculation that should give us a 
better picture of KBO formation and evolution.

Comments:

23 pages, 9 figures, 1 table; to appear in `Transneptunian Objects', Barucci 
et al. eds., University of Arizona Press

Subjects:

astro-ph (Astrophysics)

Cite as:

arXiv:0704.0259v1 [astro-ph]

Submission history

From: Scott J. Kenyon [view email]

[v1] Mon, 2 Apr 2007 20:42:47 GMT (162kb)

http://arxiv.org/abs/0704.0259