The interacting binary β Lyr. III

The results are presented of a non-LTE treatment of 24 He I lines based on a model atmosphere for β Lyr primary. The effects of an increased helium abundance on the departure coefficients (b-factors) and equivalent widths of the He I lines as well as on the equivalent widths of the Balmer lines are discussed. Apart from the already established fact that departures from LTE upon equivalent widths become increasingly important for longer wavelengths, it was also found that an increase in He abundance leads to a decrease in the non-LTE to LTE widths ratio, i.e. a reduction in the non-LTE effects upon equivalent widths of He I lines in a helium-rich atmosphere (although the b-factors are increasing). The influence of circumstellar matter on some spectral features is clearly evident, suggesting their origin in layers with lower densities and temperatures. (author). 19 figs., 3 tabs., 14 refs