Rotating massive stars in general relativity

Equilibrium models of uniformly rotating massive stars are investigated, using a weak field, slow rotation approximation, which is shown to be adequate for all cases of interest. The fate of radial perturbations about these equilibrium configurations is investigated using a linear­ized stability analysis to determine the oscillation frequency σ in a peturbation ∝ e iσ t . An eigenvalue equation for σ 2 is obtained which can be made self adjoint with respect to the spatial metric, and a variational principle to determine σ 2 is derived. Numerical determinations of σ 2 have been carried out for a variety of masses, radii and rotational velocities, and these results are incorporated in a simple formula that gives the dependence of σ 2 on these quantities. The condition for instability, σ 2 negative, is determined, and it is found that for large masses and maximum rotation velocity, so that when centrifugal force balances gravity at the surface, a massive star becomes unstable when its radius is 208 times the Schwarzschild radius 2 GM/c 2 .

1976 ◽  
Vol 32 ◽  
pp. 675-683
Author(s):  
Keiichi Kodaira

SummaryExcess of [m1] index of Am stars, relative to normal stars, is statistically found to be correlated with rotation velocity; the coefficient is estimated at ∆׀m1׀ /∆V(km/sec) ˜ - 0.0007 among Am stars. This result supports the general view that slow rotation is essential for Am phenomena.


Author(s):  
Z Keszthelyi ◽  
G Meynet ◽  
F Martins ◽  
A de Koter ◽  
A David-Uraz

Abstract τ Sco, a well-studied magnetic B-type star in the Uτer Sco association, has a number of surprising characteristics. It rotates very slowly and shows nitrogen excess. Its surface magnetic field is much more complex than a purely dipolar configuration which is unusual for a magnetic massive star. We employ the cmfgen radiative transfer code to determine the fundamental parameters and surface CNO and helium abundances. Then, we employ mesa and genec stellar evolution models accounting for the effects of surface magnetic fields. To reconcile τ Sco’s properties with single-star models, an increase is necessary in the efficiency of rotational mixing by a factor of 3 to 10 and in the efficiency of magnetic braking by a factor of 10. The spin down could be explained by assuming a magnetic field decay scenario. However, the simultaneous chemical enrichment challenges the single-star scenario. Previous works indeed suggested a stellar merger origin for τ Sco. However, the merger scenario also faces similar challenges as our magnetic single-star models to explain τ Sco’s simultaneous slow rotation and nitrogen excess. In conclusion, the single-star channel seems less likely and versatile to explain these discrepancies, while the merger scenario and other potential binary-evolution channels still require further assessment as to whether they may self-consistently explain the observables of τ Sco.


2002 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 143-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee G. Mundy ◽  
Friedrich Wyrowski ◽  
Sarah Watt

Millimeter and submillimeter wavelength images of massive star-forming regions are uncovering the natal material distribution and revealing the complexities of their circumstellar environments on size scales from parsecs to 100’s of AU. Progress in these areas has been slower than for low-mass stars because massive stars are more distant, and because they are gregarious siblings with different evolutionary stages that can co-exist even within a core. Nevertheless, observational goals for the near future include the characterization of an early evolutionary sequence for massive stars, determination if the accretion process and formation sequence for massive stars is similar to that of low-mass stars, and understanding of the role of triggering events in massive star formation.


2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (14) ◽  
pp. 2155-2158 ◽  
Author(s):  
ASHER YAHALOM

To the ordinary human it is obvious that there is a clear distinction between the spatial dimensions, in which one can go either way, and the temporal dimension, in which one seems only to move forward. But the uniqueness of time is also rooted in the standard presentation of general relativity, in which the metric of space–time is locally Lorentzian, i.e. ημν = diag (1, -1, -1, -1). This is presented as an independent axiom of the theory, which cannot be deduced. In this essay I will claim otherwise. I will show that the existence of time should not be enforced on the gravitational theory of general relativity but rather should be deduced from it. The method of choice is linear stability analysis of flat space–times.


2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (S250) ◽  
pp. 147-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Georges Meynet ◽  
Sylvia Ekström ◽  
André Maeder ◽  
Raphael Hirschi ◽  
Cyril Georgy ◽  
...  

AbstractNew constraints on stellar models are provided by large surveys of massive stars, interferometric observations and asteroseismology. After a review of the main results so far obtained, we present new results from rotating models and discuss comparisons with observed features. We conclude that rotation is a key feature of massive star physics.


2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (S270) ◽  
pp. 57-64
Author(s):  
Ian A. Bonnell ◽  
Rowan J Smith

AbstractThere has been considerable progress in our understanding of how massive stars form but still much confusion as to why they form. Recent work from several sources has shown that the formation of massive stars through disc accretion, possibly aided by gravitational and Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities is a viable mechanism. Stellar mergers, on the other hand, are unlikely to occur in any but the most massive clusters and hence should not be a primary avenue for massive star formation. In contrast to this success, we are still uncertain as to how the mass that forms a massive star is accumulated. there are two possible mechanisms including the collapse of massive prestellar cores and competitive accretion in clusters. At present, there are theoretical and observational question marks as to the existence of high-mass prestellar cores. theoretically, such objects should fragment before they can attain a relaxed, centrally condensed and high-mass state necessary to form massive stars. Numerical simulations including cluster formation, feedback and magnetic fields have not found such objects but instead point to the continued accretion in a cluster potential as the primary mechanism to form high-mass stars. Feedback and magnetic fields act to slow the star formation process and will reduce the efficiencies from a purely dynamical collapse but otherwise appear to not significantly alter the process.


Author(s):  
Andrew M. Steane

This is a textbook on general relativity and cosmology for a physics undergraduate or an entry-level graduate course. General relativity is the main subject; cosmology is also discussed in considerable detail (enough for a complete introductory course). Part 1 introduces concepts and deals with weak-field applications such as gravitation around ordinary stars, gravimagnetic effects and low-amplitude gravitational waves. The theory is derived in detail and the physical meaning explained. Sources, energy and detection of gravitational radiation are discussed. Part 2 develops the mathematics of differential geometry, along with physical applications, and discusses the exact treatment of curvature and the field equations. The electromagnetic field and fluid flow are treated, as well as geodesics, redshift, and so on. Part 3 then shows how the field equation is solved in standard cases such as Schwarzschild-Droste, Reissner-Nordstrom, Kerr, and internal stellar structure. Orbits and related phenomena are obtained. Black holes are described in detail, including horizons, wormholes, Penrose process and Hawking radiation. Part 4 covers cosmology, first in terms of metric, then dynamics, structure formation and observational methods. The meaning of cosmic expansion is explained at length. Recombination and last scattering are calculated, and the quantitative analysis of the CMB is sketched. Inflation is introduced briefly but quantitatively. Part 5 is a brief introduction to classical field theory, including spinors and the Dirac equation, proceeding as far as the Einstein-Hilbert action. Throughout the book the emphasis is on making the mathematics as clear as possible, and keeping in touch with physical observations.


2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (S268) ◽  
pp. 463-468
Author(s):  
Ko Nakamura ◽  
Takashi Yoshida ◽  
Toshikazu Shigeyama ◽  
Toshitaka Kajino

AbstractType Ic supernova (SN Ic) is the gravitational collapse of a massive star without H and He layers. It propels several solar masses of material to the typical velocity of 10,000 km/s, a very small fraction of the ejecta nearly to the speed of light. We investigate SNe Ic as production sites for the light elements Li, Be, and B, via the neutrino-process and spallations. As massive stars collapse, neutrinos are emitted in large numbers from the central remnants. Some of the neutrinos interact with nuclei in the exploding materials and mainly 7Li and 11B are produced. Subsequently, the ejected materials with very high energy impinge on the interstellar/circumstellar matter and spall into light elements. We find that the ν-process in the current SN Ic model produces a significant amount of 11B, consistent with observations if combined with B isotopes from the following spallation production.


2009 ◽  
Vol 5 (S261) ◽  
pp. 198-199
Author(s):  
Clifford M. Will

AbstractWe review the experimental evidence for Einstein's general relativity. A variety of high precision null experiments confirm the Einstein Equivalence Principle, which underlies the concept that gravitation is synonymous with spacetime geometry, and must be described by a metric theory. Solar system experiments that test the weak-field, post-Newtonian limit of metric theories strongly favor general relativity. Binary pulsars test gravitational-wave damping and aspects of strong-field general relativity. During the coming decades, tests of general relativity in new regimes may be possible. Laser interferometric gravitational-wave observatories on Earth and in space may provide new tests via precise measurements of the properties of gravitational waves. Future efforts using X-ray, infrared, gamma-ray and gravitational-wave astronomy may one day test general relativity in the strong-field regime near black holes and neutron stars.


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