Masters Project

Simulating Planetary Formation
2021-2023

Poster

Thesis Paper

Project Overview

My project involved looking at exoplanet data in other stellar systems. The aim was to reproduce the observed data with a simulation that starts from dust granules and finishes with fully formed planets. If you are interested in the specifics of the project or what I did, the poster will provide a brief overview and my thesis will give you an in-depth view. Even if you have no idea what I am talking about, give them a look as I built some pretty good graphics to display the data!

Teilo in graduation gown with thesis poster

Abstract

This study investigates planet formation in M-Dwarf stellar systems using a comprehensive model considering multiple factors. By simulating a proto-planetary disc with turbulence, snowlines, planet migration, and pebble traps, we examine planet formation and evolution. Our results show that disc mass and turbulence strongly affect planet mass and density. Comparing simulations with observations, we find good agreement within the interquartile range for high and low-density planets. However, discrepancies in the low-density range suggest the importance of gas accretion. This study provides insights into complex processes during planet formation and lays the foundation for future research directions such as considering different-sized solids, planet-planet interactions, and gas accretion.

Luckily I am not bound by NDA's for this project so here come some details. The initiative commenced with an extensive three-month research phase, during which I dedicated myself to understanding the complex physics of protoplanetary discs and the prevailing theories on planet formation. Given the multitude of hypotheses surrounding the various dynamics within a protoplanetary disc, a significant portion of this phase was devoted to selecting the methodologies we would employ.

Subsequently, we embarked on the development of a comprehensive timeline to map out these mechanisms' progression. This stage also involved the creation of detailed pseudo code, which laid the groundwork for our project’s execution. It was crucial to establish clear metrics to evaluate the project's success.

The next phase involved the intricate task of developing the Python code. Each team member was assigned specific mechanisms to model, based on our earlier decisions. My responsibility was to implement models for planet migration and pebble traps. For a more in-depth understanding of these mechanisms, I refer you to the detailed descriptions in our paper and poster.

Upon completion of individual contributions, I assumed the role of integrating these components into a master code. I also managed the setup and execution of numerous simulations, which yielded impressive results. Following this, I took the lead in designing the project poster, ensuring it met professional standards and successfully underwent expert reviews. This was then closely followed by the writing of my thesis paper, allowing me to achieve a distinction in the project!

My Contributions

Masters Project

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