Modelling of light and radial velocity curves in close binary systems: masses of stars and relativistic objects

Abstract

Synthesis methods for close binary systems allow the fundamental parameters of stars and relativistic objects to be reliably determined. The masses of massive hot stars and relativistic objects are of special interest in order to test stellar evolution theories. We present the results of light curve analysis, which allows us to determine stellar masses for two interesting massive binary systems containing early-type components and the results of X-ray light curves analysis of the unique object SS433 obtained by the INTEGRAL observatory. We also present the modelling of theoretical absorption line profiles and radial velocity curves of optical components in X-ray binary systems, which was carried out with our new computer code. Heating of the optical star by the incident X-ray radiation is taken into account using model atmosphere calculations. Comparing observed line profiles and radial velocity curves with the model data provides the possibility for correct determination of the masses of relativistic objects.