IUE spectroscopy of cataclysmic variables.

Abstract

The continuum flux distribution and line spectra of six cataclysmic variables detected by the IUE are studied. The spectrophotometry with intermediate spectral resolution around seven A allows derivation of extinction values, temperatures, and the sizes of the radiating areas. V603 Aql, RRpic, HRDel, and TT Ari, which have similar absolute dimensions and masses, and the long period dwarf nova RU Peg and the recurrent nova T CrB comprise the sample. UV spectrograms taken in July, 1979, are presented, and continuum fluxes, temperatures and radii are calculated. The spectra are interpreted in terms of an accretion disk model of close binary stars, and temperatures are found to lie in the 25,000-45,000 K range. P Cygni profiles of the unresolved C IV doublet mass loss rates for HR Del and TT Ari are obtained, and the UV continuum fluxes and line spectra agree well with theoretical accretion disk models of cataclysmic binaries.