  We have analysed FUSE far-UV spectra of a sample of 16 local starbursts.
These galaxies span ranges of almost three orders-of-magnitude in star
formation rate and over two orders-of-magnitude in stellar mass. We find that
the strongest interstellar absorption-lines are generally blueshifted relative
to the galaxy systemic velocity by ~50 to 300 km/s, implying the presence of
starburst-driven galactic outflows. The outflow velocites increase on-average
with the star formation rate and the star formation rate per unit mass. We find
that outflowing coronal-phase (T ~ several hundred thousand K) gas detected via
the OVI 1032 absorption line in nearly every galaxy. The kinematics of this
outflowing gas differs from the lower-ionization material, and agrees with
predictions for radiatively cooling gas (most likely created at the interface
between the hot outrushing gas traced by X-rays and cool ambient material).
Emission from the coronal gas is not generally detected, implying that
radiative cooling by this phase is not affecting the dynamics/energetics of the
wind. We find that the weaker interstellar absorption lines lie close to the
systemic velocity, implying that the outflowing gas has a lower column density
than the quiescent gas in the starburst. From direct observation below the
Lyman edge and from the small residual intensity at the core of the CII 1036
line, we conclude that the absolute escape fraction of ionizing radiation is
small (typically less than a few percent). This sample provides a unique window
on the global properties of local starburst galaxies and a useful comparison
sample for understanding spectra of high redshift galaxies.

Astrophysics