The Effect of Multiple Scattering on the Polarization
from Binary Star Envelopes

II. Toward a Quantitative Model for beta Lyr

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

in preparation
Preliminary results

 
We use the results of our Monte Carlo binary-disk code to construct a geometrical model for the interacting binary system beta Lyr. Analysis of the eclipse depths in the light curve of the binary allows us to constrain the relative sizes and brightnesses of the system components. We then create a grid of models by varying the disk albedo and optical depth, seeking a match to the characteristics of beta Lyr's observed polarized flux curve. We find that a simple disk of constant optical depth cannot reproduce the polarimetric observations, and investigate more sophisticated configurations.
 

For more information, please send email to Jennifer.
September 22, 2002