FORMA_BIN: Formation of planetary systems in binaries

There is a growing number of giant planets discovered in binary star
systems. Today more than 60 planets are known moving around one
stellar component (S-type planets), with very diverse eccentricity.
These discoveries raise the question of their formation and long-term
evolution, since the stellar companion can strongly affect the planet
formation process. The present project aims at studying the dynamical
influence of the stellar companion on the formation of planetary
systems in S-type wide binaries. A parametric study considering
different values of the relevant parameters for the companion star
(mass, orbit) will be performed, in order to estimate the probability
of reaching any final system configuration and make comparison with
single star systems. In particular, we will focus on the late stage of
the gas phase, where both the interactions between the planets and
their natal protoplanetary disc play an important role in sculpting
the planetary system. Firstly, we will follow, by extensive n-body
simulations, the evolution of two- and three- giant planet systems
migrating in the disc (Type II migration), exploring different initial
configurations, planetary mass ratios and disc masses, with a
particular emphasis on the resonance captures and inclination-growth
mechanisms. Secondly, we will explore the impact of eccentric and
inclined giant planets on the terrestrial planet formation process in
binary stars, at the dispersal of the disc, when planetesimals and
planetary embryos are gravitationally affected by the giant planets in
their neighborhood (post-oligarchic growth phase). Particular
attention will also be given on inclined binary companions and the
repercussion of a possible Kozai resonance between the planets and the
binary companion.