Constraining Disk Properties in Binary Star-Disk Systems

Jennifer L. Hoffman, Kenneth H. Nordsieck, and Barbara A. Whitney

2001 AAS, 199, 13519
Color Postscript file (1 page, 270K)

 
We have created a Monte Carlo radiative transfer code that models the observed flux and polarization variations of a binary-disk system. Especially in cases where some system parameters are known from light-curve analysis, analysis of families of models can help constrain the geometrical and optical characteristics of the circumstellar material. We illustrate this technique by applying it to the disk around the secondary star in the famous eclipsing Algol binary beta Lyr.
 
For more information, please send email to Jennifer.
September 22, 2002