FORBIDDEN LINE PROFILES FROM MASSIVE BINARY COLLIDING WINDS

We investigate the effects on the emission profile of a Wolf-Rayet (WR) wind colliding with an O star wind. Since the mass loss rate of the WR star far exceeds that of the O star, the O star effectively forms a cavity in the WR wind. The cavity takes on a spiral shape as the O star orbits the WR. This cavity produces interesting observable effects in the emission profiles of forbidden lines. We model the effects of a spiral cavity on the emission profile for both circular and elliptical binary orbits. The presence of a cavity leads to a deficit in the otherwise flat-top profile. The opening angle of the cavity, viewing inclination of the binary, and eccentricity of the orbit govern the profile shape. Subject headings: stars – winds, outflows – Wolf Rayet 1