Evidence for a developing gap in the disk of TW hydrae

摘要

We have developed a physically self-consistent model of the disk around the nearby 10 Myr old star TW Hya which matches the spectral energy distribution and 7 mm images of the disk. The model requires both significant dust size evolution and a partially-evacuated inner region, a distinct transition to a thicker disk at about 4 AU, and an outer disk radius of approximately 140 AU. The outermost part of the disk is optically thick, and requires grain sizes on the order of similar to 1 cm, while the transition region (and possibly inner disk) contains micron-sized grains. The truncation of the outer disk may be the signpost of a developing gap due to the effects of a growing protoplanet.