A self-consistent solution of the coupled Dirac-Einstein equations in the mean-field Hartree approximation [neutron star model].
Abstract
The nonlocal properties of the fermionic matter constituting a massive neutron star are investigated along with their consequences for the problem of gravitational collapse. A self-consistent solution for two fermions of specified macroscopic mass interacting with each other gravitationally is obtained numerically using a model described by the coupled Dirac-Einstein equations in the Hartree or mean-field approximation. Nonlocal effects (in particular, a pressure anisotropy) are found to be relatively small even in the extreme two-particle model, indicating that such effects become negligible for systems consisting of many particles. It is concluded that models with anisotropic pressure are not important for the question of the stability of massive collapsed stars and that a local equation of state (e.g., the Thomas-Fermi model) is adequate for describing stars composed of degenerate Fermi matter.
- Publication:
-
Nuovo Cimento Lettere
- Pub Date:
- July 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978NCimL..22..391S
- Keywords:
-
- Dirac Equation;
- Einstein Equations;
- Gravitational Collapse;
- Hartree Approximation;
- Neutron Stars;
- Quantum Mechanics;
- Angular Momentum;
- Anisotropy;
- Critical Mass;
- Degenerate Matter;
- Fermions;
- Gravitational Fields;
- Stellar Models;
- Wave Equations;
- Astrophysics;
- Neutron Stars:Models