Probing the physical characteristics of the disks surrounding Be stars

Resumo

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)