From grains to planetesimals : the microphysics of dust coagulation

Krijt, S. (2015)

Doctoral Thesis

With over 1800 exoplanets detected, we now believe the majority of stars is orbited by one or more planets. If we want to understand the observed abundance and diversity of planetary systems, we have to understand their formation history. The first step in the planet-formation process is the collisional coagulation of microscopic dust grains into kilometer-size planetesimals (the building blocks of planetary systems). The goal of this thesis has been to achieve a better understanding of the microphysics that govern this early growth.

• Planet formation
• Dust coagulation
• Contact mechanics

• All authors: Krijt, S.
• Supervisor: Tielens, A.G.G.M.; Dominik, C.
• Committee: Rottgering, H.J.A.; Henning, T.; Dullemond, C.P.; Tanaka, H.; Hogerheijde, M.R.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Observatory, Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2015-04-29
• ISBN (print): 9789462596306