Work

A coupled-oscillator model for the formation of planetary rings

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: We study the dichotomy between compact satellite and ring formation in proto-planetary disks. Specifically, we examine the behavior of a model system of $N$ identical particles locked into circular, gravitationally-bound orbits around a central body. We treat interactions as dominated by inter-particle collisions, and extract an effective two-particle interaction function based on both theory and simulations. We then demonstrate that the expected dynamics are equivalent to a variant of the Kuramoto model, which undergoes a phase transition as parameters vary. This offers a novel potential explanation for the transition between formation of rings versus moons.

Source: arXiv (Cornell University)

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2606.13920

Authors: Gong, Ruoming, Broeren, Theodore, Cangi, Eryn M., Abrams, Daniel M.

Institutions: Northwestern University, University of Colorado Boulder, Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics

Language: English

Topic: Astro and Planetary Science

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Science Foundation

Award: REU Site: Preparing a Diverse Workforce through Interdisciplinary Astrophysics Research

OpenAlex ID: W7164842734

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