The grid technique applied to the photometric analysis of contact systems Aw Virginis and BP Velorum

Abstract

An optimization procedure is applied to the light curve analysis of the W Ursae Majoris-type systems AW Virginis and BP Velorum. The evaluation of a broad range of possible configurations is performed by means of the quality of solutions (S) as a function of the mass-ratio (q). AW Vir is clearly defined as an A-type contact system with q= 0.68±0.07. The likely configuration of BP Vel is more uncertain but the characteristics of a W-type contact binary are unambigously delineated; a value of q=1.70±0.40 is obtained. The remaining parameters of both systems are determined within acceptable error ranges.