The ellipsoidal variables IV: Light variations

The V variations of ellipsoidal variables are investigated as a function of the spectral type of the primary. A model is developed on the assumption that the primary has near Main-Sequence characteristics. It is argued that the observed minimum in the V variations around spectral type F is real and is due to variations in the gravity-darkening exponent . The absolute upper limit to V variations is found to be 0.2 mag.