Theoretical photometric and spectroscopic properties of stellar accretion disks with application to cataclysmic variables

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (66) References (49) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Theoretical photometric and spectroscopic properties of stellar accretion disks with application to cataclysmic variables. Herter, T. ; Lacasse, M. G. ; Wesemael, F. ; Winget, D. E. Abstract We present the results of an exploratory calculation of the theoretical photometric and spectroscopic properties of viscous accretion disks in cataclysmic variable systems. We use the theoretical α-model disks of Shakura and Sunyaev along with LTE model atmosphere calculations for plane-parallel geometry to obtain both continuum fluxes and hydrogen absorption line profiles for a variety of disk models. Our results are presented for mass-transfer rates ranging from 10-9 to 10-7 Msun yr-1, inclination angles ranging from 0° to 75°, and outer-disk radii ranging from 8.6 × 109 to 2.0 × 1010 cm. We tabulate line profiles and equivalent widths of Hα, Hβ, and Hγ the Balmer jump; bolometric correction; and both broad-band and Strömgren colors for most models. These results are then applied to a preliminary analysis of the Hγ absorption line profile in the nova-like variable CD 42°14462. The lack of agreement between the observed and theoretical profiles suggests that the observed line profile is predominantly pressure-broadened. This may possibly indicate that, in contrast to the results of our calculations, the observed profile originates in the innermost region of the disk and that this region contributes significantly to the visual light from the system. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series Pub Date: April 1979 DOI: 10.1086/190584 Bibcode: 1979ApJS...39..513H Keywords: Binary Stars; Stellar Mass Accretion; Stellar Spectrophotometry; Variable Stars; Balmer Series; Continuous Spectra; Dwarf Stars; H Lines; Novae; Spectral Line Width; Stellar Models; Astrophysics; Accretion Disks:Cataclysmic Variables; Accretion Disks:Close Binaries; Accretion Disks:Models full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (1)