Spectral energy distributions of T Tauri stars - Disk flaring and limits on accretion
The authors analyze spectral energy distributions of T Tauri stars (TTS) to place limits on disk accretion in this early phase of stellar evolution. The results reinforce the conclusion of Adams, Lada, and Shu that much of the infrared excess emission arises from reprocessing of stellar radiation by a dusty circumstellar disk. Observational constraints on disk geometries and disk masses are derived. The relative importance of accretion and solar-type chromospheric activity in T Tauri stars is assessed. The present analysis indicates that disk accretion in the T Tauri phase does not modify stellar evolution significantly and that the angular momentum of accreted material can be lost in a stellar wind.