The component masses of the cataclysmic variable V347 Puppis

Abstract

We present time-resolved spectroscopy and photometry of the double-lined eclipsing cataclysmic variable V347 Pup (=LB 1800). There is evidence of irradiation on the inner hemisphere of the secondary star, which we correct for using a model to give a secondary-star radial velocity of KR = 198 ±5 km s-1. The rotational velocity of the secondary star in V347 Pup is found to be v sin i = 131 ±5 km s-1 and the system inclination is i = 84°.0 ±2°.3. From these parameters we obtain masses of M 1 = 0.63 ± 0.04 M⊙ for the white dwarf primary and M 2 = 0.52 ± 0.06 M⊙ for the M0.5V secondary star, giving a mass ratio of q = 0.83 ± 0.05. On the basis of the component masses, and the spectral type and radius of the secondary star in V347 Pup, we find tentative evidence for an evolved companion. V347 Pup shows many of the characteristics of the SW Sex stars, exhibiting single-peaked emission lines, high-velocity S-wave components and phase-offsets in the radial velocity curve. We find spiral arms in the accretion disc of V347 Pup and measure the disc radius to be close to the maximum allowed in a pressureless disc. © 2005 RAS.