Synthetic Spectrum Constraints on a Model of the Cataclysmic Variable QU Carinae
Abstract
Neither standard model SEDs nor truncated standard model SEDs fit observed spectra of QU Carinae with acceptable accuracy over the range 900-3000 angstroms. Nonstandard model SEDs fit the observation set accurately. The nonstandard accretion disk models have a hot region extending from the white dwarf to R = 1:36R(sub WD), a narrow intermediate-temperature annulus, and an isothermal remainder to the tidal cutoff boundary. The models include a range of values between 1:0 x 10(exp -7) and 1:0 x 10(exp -6) solar mass yr(exp -1) and limiting values of M(sub WD) between 0.6 and 1.2 solar mass. A solution with M(sub WD) = 1:2 solar mass is consistent with an empirical mass-period relation. The set of models agree on a limited range of possible isothermal region T(sub eff) values between 14,000 and 18,000 K. The model-to-model residuals are so similar that it is not possible to choose a best model. The Hipparcos distance, 610 pc, is representative of the model results. The orbital inclination is between 40 degrees and 60 degrees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA492928
Entities
People
- Albert P. Linnell
- Edward M. Sion
- Ivan Hubeny
- Patrick Godon
- Paul E. Barrett
- Paula Szkody
Organizations
- University of Washington