Ultraviolet observations of stellar winds in Be and 'normal' B non-supergiant stars.

Abstract

Model profile fits to high-resolution IUE C IV, Si IV, and Si III spectra are used to produce a homogeneous set of wind-velocity and column-density measurements for 40 early-type Be stars and 40 nonemission, nonsupergiant B stars. The mass-loss characteristics in the Be and normal B stars are compared. Results on stellar wind morphology, velocities, column densities, mass-loss, and ionization balance are presented. The UV properties are compared to H-alpha, IR, and polarization observations of Be stars. The results are used to discuss the roles of radiation pressure and rotation in driving the winds of Be stars.