Maximum gravitational redshift of white dwarfs

Journal Article · Sat Jan 31 23:00:00 EST 1976 · Astrophys. J., v. 203, no. 3, pp. 697-700

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/154130· OSTI ID:4032363

Shapiro, S L; Teukolsky, S A

The stability of uniformly rotating, cold white dwarfs is examined in the framework of the Parametrized Post-Newtonian (PPN) formalism of Will and Nordtvedt. The maximum central density and gravitational redshift of a white dwarf are determined as functions of five of the nine PPN parameters ($gamma$, $beta$, zeta$sub 2$, zeta$sub 3$, and zeta$sub 4$), the total angular momentum J, and the composition of the star. General relativity predicts that the maximum redshifts is 571 km s$sup -1$ for nonrotating carbon and helium dwarfs, but is lower for stars composed of heavier nuclei. Uniform rotation can increase the maximum redshift to 647 km s$sup -1$ for carbon stars (the neutronization limit) and to 893 km s$sup -1$ for helium stars (the uniform rotation limit). The redshift distribution of a larger sample of white dwarfs may help determine the composition of their cores. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Center for Radiophysics and Space Research, Cornell University
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-33-030635
• OSTI ID: 4032363
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., v. 203, no. 3, pp. 697-700, Journal Name: Astrophys. J., v. 203, no. 3, pp. 697-700; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*WHITE DWARF STARS-- RED SHIFT
640102* --Physics Research--Astrophysics & Cosmology--Stars
ANGULAR MOMENTUM
CARBON
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
GENERAL RELATIVITY THEORY
GRAVITATION
HELIUM
N56200* --Physics (Astrophysics & Cosmology)--Stars
N76300 --Physics (Theoretical)--Gravitation & General Relativity
ROTATION
STABILITY