Vertical structure of accretion disks: A simplified analytical model

I. Hubeny

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

253 Scopus citations

Abstract

A simplified model of the vertical structure of accretion disks is derived. Analytical expressions for the temperature and density structure, which represent a generalization of the gray model long known in the theory of classical stellar atmospheres, are presented. The formalism naturally explains similarities and differences between the structure of a disk and a stellar atmosphere. In particular, the influence of viscous dissipation and external irradiation of the disk by the central star, as well as of the finite optical thickness of the disk, may be easily accounted for and explained by the present model.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)632-641
Number of pages10
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume351
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 10 1990
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Radiative transfer
  • Stars: accretion
  • Stars: atmospheres

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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