Publication at Faculty of Mathematics and Physics |
2020
Abstract
We consider the effect of gap opening in a planar accretion disc. In particular, we focus on the changes of the expected shape of a reflection spectral line, as the radial profile of the line emissivity drops at the gap radius.
Gaps can develop due to an embedded star orbiting within the disc medium above the critical radius for tidal disruption. We model the resulting changes to the classical double-horn shape and we show the emergence of secondary substructures that can reveal the presence of the gap, its radius, and the radial width of the gap.