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R.K. Barnes, S.N. Raymond (University of Washington)
Simulations of planetary system dynamics have shown that interacting systems are as tightly packed as possible. In this poster we explore the possibility that separated systems (specifically HD37124, HD74156, HD168443, HD12661, and 55Cnc) may contain additional companions, and hence are also interacting systems. First we fill the region between well separated planets with test particles and integrate for 107 years. We find that the systems HD168443, and HD12661 can hold no more planets. The other systems, however, contain broad zones of stability. Next we test the feasibility of forming terrestrial planets by simulating the late stage of planetary accretion. Planetary embryos are placed on orbits between the giant planets in these systems and allowed to collide. These simulations typically produce 0-2 terrestrial planets. Finally we test the mass upper limit by placing planets up to a Saturn mass in the allowed zones and integrating for 109 years. We find that several systems may support a Saturn, and suggest possible semi-major axes, and eccentricities for these possible planets.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 34, #4
© 2002. The American Astronomical Soceity.