Dust dynamics in planet-forming discs in binary systems

In multiple stellar systems, interactions among the companion stars and their discs affect planet formation. In the circumstellar case, tidal truncation makes protoplanetary discs smaller, fainter and less long-lived than those evolving in isolation, thereby reducing the amount of material (gas and dust) available to assemble planetary embryos. On the contrary, in the circumbinary case the reduced accretion can increase the disc lifetime, with beneficial effects on planet formation. In this chapter we review the main observational results on discs in multiple stellar systems and discuss their possible explanations, focusing on recent numerical simulations, mainly dealing with dust dynamics and disc evolution. Finally, some open issues and future research directions are examined.

Automated summary

In multiple stellar systems, interactions among companion stars and their discs have significant impacts on planet formation. Tidal truncation in circumstellar cases leads to smaller, fainter and shorter-lived protoplanetary discs, resulting in a reduced availability of material for forming planetary embryos. Conversely, in circumbinary cases, reduced accretion can increase the lifetime of discs, which has positive effects on planet formation. This chapter provides a review of observational results on discs in multiple stellar systems, discussing possible explanations, particularly focusing on recent numerical simulations of dust dynamics and disc evolution. Finally, open issues and future research directions are examined.