On the spherical symmetry of static stars in general relativity

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/154927· OSTI ID:7323777

Marks, D W

From Einstein's field equation and the second law of thermodynamics it follows that in nonmagnetic thermally conducting static fluids, isobaric surfaces and isothermal surfaces coincide with isopotential surfaces. By symmetry these surfaces must be surfaces of constant curvature. To keep the energy content of the star finite, these surfaces must be closed; that is, positively curved, hence spherical. Since the energy flux divided by the speed of light is small compared with the rest-energy density, spherical symmetry is imposed only on the evolutionary time scale, so that observed stars may depart from perfect spherical symmetry by factors of the order of the ratio of the fluid velocity compared to the speed of light. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Valdosta State College
• OSTI ID: 7323777
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 211:1; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CONFIGURATION
EINSTEIN FIELD EQUATIONS
EQUATIONS
FIELD EQUATIONS
FIELD THEORIES
FLUID MECHANICS
GENERAL RELATIVITY THEORY
HYDROSTATICS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MECHANICS
STAR MODELS
STARS
SYMMETRY
THERMODYNAMICS