Non-Isothermal effects on Be Disks

Author(s)

Vieira, Rodrigo G. ; Carciofi, Alex C. ; Bjorkman, Jon E. ; Sigut, TAA ; Jones, CE

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: BRIGHT EMISSARIES: BE STARS AS MESSENGERS OF STAR-DISK PHYSICS; v. 506, p. 8-pg., 2016-01-01.

Abstract

In the last decade, the viscous decretion disk model has emerged as the new paradigm for Be star disks. In this contribution, we propose a simple analytical model to estimate the continuum infrared excess arising from these circumstellar disks, in the light of the currently accepted scenario. We demonstrate that the disk can be satisfactorily described by a two component system: an inner optically thick region, which we call the pseudo-photosphere, and a diffuse outer part. In particular, a direct connexion between the disk brightness profile and the thermal structure is derived, and then confronted to realistic numerical simulations. This result quantifies how the non-isothermality of the disk ultimately affects both infrared measured fluxes and visibilities. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 09/54006-4 - A computer cluster for the Astronomy Department of the University of São Paulo Institute of Astronomy, Geophysics and Atmospheric Sciences and for the Cruzeiro do Sul University Astrophysics Center
• Grantee: Elisabete Maria de Gouveia Dal Pino
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 12/20364-4 - Beyond dust survival: the inner regions of protoplanetary disks
• Grantee: Rodrigo Georgetti Vieira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral