Truncated disks in TW Hya association multiple star systems

Sean M. Andrews, Ian Czekala, D. J. Wilner, Catherine Espaillat, C. P. Dullemond, A. M. Hughes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present high angular resolution (down to 0″.3 ≈ 13AU in diameter) Submillimeter Array observations of the 880 μm (340GHz) thermal continuum emission from circumstellar dust disks in the nearby HD98800 and Hen3-600 multiple star systems. In both cases, the dust emission is resolved and localized around one stellar component - the HD98800B and Hen3-600A spectroscopic binaries - with no evidence for circum-system material. Using two-dimensional Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculations, we compare the Submillimeter Array interferometer visibilities and broadband spectral energy distributions with truncated disk models to empirically locate the inner and outer edges of both disks. The HD98800B disk appears to be aligned with the spectroscopic binary orbit, is internally truncated at a radius of 3.5AU, and extends to only 10-15AU from the central stars. The Hen3-600A disk is slightly larger, with an inner edge at ∼1AU and an outer radius of 15-25AU. These inferred disk structures compare favorably with theoretical predictions of their truncation due to tidal interactions with the stellar companions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)462-469
Number of pages8
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume710
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2010

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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