Abstract
The most current data for the orbital period, superhump period, and mass ratio in the SU Ursae Majoris type variables are tablulated in order to test models of the superhump timing mechanism. These data are compared with the results of recent hydrodynamical simulations and with the present calculations of coplanar restricted three-body orbits as a function of mass ratio for mass ratios less than unity. All reliable mass ratios for SU UMa systems are found to be consistent with the upper limit of 0.22 placed by the model. The degree of instability as a function of mass ratio is calculated as well. The delays in the onset of superhumps observed in WZ Sge and WX Cet are attributed to the relatively small instability expected for their mass ratios. The status of the proposed models for the superoutburst cycle in SU UMa systems is reviewed.
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