Mass-metallicity relation for giant planets

Here we identify 47 transiting giant planets (20 M_{\Earth}_ < M < 20 M_J_) whose stellar insolations are low enough (F_*_ < 2 x 10^8^ erg s^-1^ cm^-2^, or roughly T_eff_ < 1000) that they are not affected by the hot-Jupiter radius inflation mechanism(s). We compute a set of new thermal and structural evolution models and use these models in comparison with properties of the 47 transiting planets (mass, radius, age) to determine their heavy element masses.

A clear correlation emerges between the planetary heavy element mass M_z_ and the total planet mass, approximately of the form M_z_\propto\sqrtM. This finding is consistent with the core-accretion model of planet formation. We also study how stellar metallicity [Fe/H] affects planetary metal-enrichment and find a weaker correlation than has previously been reported from studies with smaller sample sizes.