Isothermal circumstellar dust shell model for teaching

Abstract

We introduce a model of radiative transfer in circumstellar dust shells. By assuming that the shell is both isothermal and its thickness is small compared to its radius, the model is simple enough for students to grasp and yet still provides a quantitative description of the relevant physical features. The isothermal model can be used in a classroom setting as an aid to improve student's understanding of absorption and emission phenomena.

Keywords:

• radiative transfer
• stars
• dust shells
• infrared
• isothermal