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[27.02] Comparing Hydrodynamic Models and UV Wind Lines in the High-Mass X-ray Binary LMC X-4

Bram Boroson (GSFC), Tim Kallman (GSFC)

We investigate the complex mass transfer in a High Mass X-ray Binary system by comparing hydrodyamical models with observations. Hydrodynamic simulations show that the ionization and gravity of a compact object can cause wakes and cavities to form within the wind. The LMC X-4 system, in which disk and wind accretion probably both occur, has been observed extensively in the UV with IUE, the HST GHRS, and the HST STIS. The spectra reveal lines with P Cygni profiles, which result from scattering of the stellar continuum by the outflowing wind. We use Monte Carlo simulations to test the hydrodynamic models by predicting the variation of the P Cygni profiles with orbital phase.

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