A Dynamic Density Functional Theory Approach to Diffusion in White Dwarfs and Neutron Star Envelopes
Abstract
We develop a multicomponent hydrodynamic model based on moments of the Born-Bogolyubov-Green-Kirkwood-Yvon hierarchy equations for physical conditions relevant to astrophysical plasmas. These equations incorporate strong correlations through a density functional theory closure, while transport enters through a relaxation approximation. This approach enables the introduction of Coulomb coupling correction terms into the standard Burgers equations. The diffusive currents for these strongly coupled plasmas is self-consistently derived. The settling of impurities and its impact on cooling can be greatly affected by strong Coulomb coupling, which we show can be quantified using the direct correlation function.
- Publication:
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The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- September 2016
- DOI:
- 10.3847/0004-637X/829/1/16
- Bibcode:
- 2016ApJ...829...16D
- Keywords:
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- dense matter;
- diffusion;
- stars: neutron;
- stars: white dwarfs