Detailed mid- and far-ultraviolet model spectra for accretion disks in cataclysmic binaries

We present a large grid of computed far- and mid-ultraviolet spectra (850-2 000 Angstrom) of the integrated light from steady-state accretion disks in luminous cataclysmic variables. The spectra are tabulated at 0.25 Angstrom intervals with an adopted FWHM resolution of 1.0 Angstrom, so they are suit able for use with observed spectra from a variety of modern space-borne obs ervatories. Twenty-six different combinations of white dwarf mass M-wd and mass accretion rate (m) over dot are considered, and spectra are presented for six different disk inclinations i. The disk models are computed self-co nsistently in the plane-parallel approximation, assuming LTE and vertical h ydrostatic equilibrium, by solving simultaneously the radiative transfer, h ydrostatic equilibrium, and energy balance equations. Irradiation from exte rnal sources is neglected. Local spectra of disk annuli are computed taking into account line transitions from elements 1-28 (H through Ni). Limb dark ening as well as Doppler broadening and blending of lines are taken into ac count in computing the integrated disk spectra. The radiative properties of the models are discussed, including the dependence of ultraviolet fluxes a nd colors on M-wd, (m) over dot, and i. The appearance of the disk spectra is illustrated, with regard to changes in the same three parameters. Finall y, possible future improvements to the present models and spectra are discu ssed.