HIGH-RESOLUTION IUE SPECTROSCOPY OF FAST WINDS FROM CATACLYSMIC VARIABLES

The winds from six dwarf novae and four nova-like cataclysmic variable s are studied using 31 high-resolution IUE spectra. The data provide d etails on the time- and phase-averaged nature of disc-driven outflows, which are diagnosed via the presence of P Cygni-like and extended abs orption profiles due to the C IV, N V and Si IV resonance line doublet s, and He II lambda 1640. The profiles are parametrized using measures of the absorption and emission velocities, widths and strengths. The maximum wind velocity can exceed -4000 km s(-1), although the absorpti on maximum (minimum flux) typically occurs at similar to 20 per cent o f the shortward profile edge. Optical depth and velocity structure is identified in the absorption troughs which may indicate inhomogeneitie s in the outflows. The relative ion behaviour and the respective contr ibutions to the emission profiles of the inner disc and wind are discu ssed. Synthesized model profiles are used to estimate the products of mass-loss rate and C3+ ion fractions.