A grid of Composite Models for the Simulation of Starburst Galaxy and HII Region Spectra

Abstract

A grid of models for starburst spectra is presented and compared with power-law models which represent AGNs. The models are composite, i.e., they account for the radiation from the starburst and for the shocks created by super-winds. Some interesting fit of models to observations are also discussed. In particular, it is found that [OIII]/Hb ~can reach values as high as for the AGN when the emitting clouds are close to the starburst region. Moreover CIV lines can be high even if SiIV lines are relatively low. It is found that for some line ratios, which have similar values for starburst and AGN models, the width of the lines can distinguish between the two types.

grpaper.tex + 10 tables PostScript + 9 figures PostScript Accepted for publication in ApJS