Statistical analysis of properties of dwarf novae outbursts

Abstract

We present a statistical study of all measurable photometric features of a large sample of dwarf novae during their outbursts and superoutbursts. We used all accessible photometric data for all our objects to make the study as complete and up to date as possible. Our aim was to check correlations between these photometric features in order to constrain theoretical models which try to explain the nature of dwarf novae outbursts. We managed to confirm a few of the known correlations, that is the Stolz and Schoembs relation, the Bailey relation for long outbursts above the period gap, the relations between the cycle and supercycle lengths, amplitudes of normal and superoutbursts, amplitude and duration of superoutbursts, outburst duration and orbital period, outburst duration and mass ratio for short and normal outbursts, as well as the relation between the rise and decline rates of superoutbursts. However, we question the existence of the Kukarkin-Parenago relation but we found an analogous relation for superoutbursts. We also failed to find one presumed relation between outburst duration and mass ratio for superoutbursts. This study should help to direct theoretical work dedicated to dwarf novae.