Probing the physical characteristics of the disks surrounding Be stars

• Grant number: 11/51720-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2012
• End date: September 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Astronomy - Stellar Astrophysics
• Agreement: University of Toronto and University of Western Ontario
• Principal Investigator: Alex Cavaliéri Carciofi
• Grantee: Alex Cavaliéri Carciofi
• Principal researcher abroad: Carol Evelyn Jones
• Institution abroad: Western University , Canada
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project is focused on detailed modeling of disk-like distributions of gas that surround certain types of massive stars. Due to the complexity of the problem, different approaches have been utilized to build these computationally intensive models. Carciofi's group uses a Monte-Carlo method to solve the radiative transfer problem while Jones' group uses an escape probability method. Previous work by both groups has produced state-of-the-art contributions to the field. Therefore, it is extremely important that these two distinct approaches be carefully compared and crosschecked in detail. This is the first task of our project. Through these comparisons we will be able to understand similarities and differences in our results, and be able to determine when one method is more computationally efficient for a particular calculation. Ultimately we aim to combine portions of our codes so that we can build dynamical models that can track disk evolution over time. The results of this work will be of paramount importance to other researchers in this field and will firmly establish the groups in Sao Paulo and at Western, along with their collaborators, as world leaders in the study of circumstellar disks around hot stars. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SILAJ, J.; JONES, C. E.; CARCIOFI, A. C.; ESCOLANO, C.; OKAZAKI, A. T.; TYCNER, C.; RIVINIUS, T.; KLEMENT, R.; BEDNARSKI, D.. INVESTIGATING THE CIRCUMSTELLAR DISK OF THE Be SHELL STAR 48 LIBRAE. ASTROPHYSICAL JOURNAL, v. 826, n. 1, JUL 20 2016. (15/17967-7, 11/51720-8, 09/54006-4)