Improved study of metallic-line binaries.

For the sake of completeness, a new study has been made of the frequency of binaries among classical metallic-line (Am) stars and of the characteristics of these systems. For an initial sample of 60 Am stars, about 20 coude spectra and radial velocities were obtained each. When combined with excellent published orbital elements for some systems, the new material yields 16 SB2s, 20 SB1s, and 20 visual and occultation companions not already counted as spectroscopic companions. Extensive details are given about the observations, radial velocities, and binary orbits. Evolutionary expansion during their main sequence lifetime is seen as an additional mechanism (besides tidal braking) acting in close binaries to lower rotational velocities below 100 km/s.