Far-ultraviolet spectral analysis of the prototype nova-like variable VY sculptoris from the high state to the low state

The prototype nova-like variable VY Sculptoris was observed by the IUE during four different optical brightness states of the system. The far-ultraviolet (FUV) flux level from the highest state to the lowest state declines by a factor of 28. We have carried out model accretion disk and white dwarf atmosphere fitting to the spectra. The corresponding accretion rates range from M=8 x 10(-9) M(circle dot)yr(-1) at the highest FUV flux level down to M=1: 9 x 10(-10) M(circle dot)yr(-1) at the lowest flux level. We report tentative evidence for the detection of the underlying white dwarf with T-eff =45, 000 K in the spectrum with the lowest flux level.