Analysis of 30 Wolf-Rayet Stars

Temperatures, mass-loss rates and luminosities of 30 galactic Wolf-Rayet stars (24 WN, 6 WC) are derived by fitting the observed equivalent widths of He I λ5876 and He II λ5412 and the absolute visual magnitude. A three-dimensional grid (T*-R*- ) of model calculations provides the theoretical values. The results are summarized in Figure 1. The different symbols denote the spectral classification of the individual stars, whereas four groups are distinguished: WNEA, WNE-B, WNL and WC stars. The size of the symbols indicates the mass-loss rates. The uncertainties of the results are estimated to be 0.1 dex in T*, 0.4 dex in and 0.5 dex in L. For the ll stars in common with the sample of Abbott et al. (1986) we find our mass-loss rates to be compatible with their radio flux if the correct ionization equilibrium in the radio emitting region is applied (Schmutz and Hamann, 1986). The model calculations show that for all but the WN2 and WN3 stars helium recombines to He+ before the ions enter the radio-emitting region.