Mass-Radius relation of a Neutron star

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SUMMARY

The mass-radius relationship for a neutron star is defined by the Tolman mass equation solution VII, expressed as M_0(R) = (2 m_n R^3) / (5 r_p^3), where m_n is the neutron mass and r_p is the proton charge radius. The neutron degeneracy pressure is crucial for determining this relationship, which varies as p = k * (density)^(5/3). The core density of the neutron star is equivalent to the proton charge radius neutron density, calculated as ρ_n = (3 m_n) / (4 π r_p^3). For a neutron star with a 10 km radius, the mass is approximately 9.976 x 10^29 kg.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of neutron degeneracy pressure and its mathematical expression.
  • Familiarity with the Tolman mass equation and its applications.
  • Knowledge of neutron and proton mass values and their significance in astrophysics.
  • Basic concepts of hydrostatic equilibrium in stellar structures.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of neutron degeneracy pressure and its implications in neutron stars.
  • Study the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff limit and its relevance to neutron star stability.
  • Explore the Schwarzschild radius and its significance in the context of neutron stars.
  • Investigate various models of neutron stars and their mass-radius relationships.
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying stellar evolution, particularly those focusing on neutron stars and their physical properties.

Tuugii
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Hey all,

I need a help to determine the Mass-Radius relationship for a neutron star. I've done it for a white dwarf, but for a neutron star I need to know the Neutron degeneracy pressure expression, can anyone please help me to solve it?

I am thinking that if I have the n.deg.pressure expression then I can use the hydrostatic equilibrium, and assume the masses of proton and neutron to be exactly equal;

I am not sure, but I might also need the density ratio? is it correct? for instance for a white dwarf, I have [ro_c]/[ro_mean] = 5.99, I don't know the value for a neutron star.

please help me,
thanks,
T
 
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for non relativistic case the degeneracy pressure varies as:- p=k*(density)^(5/3). The 'k' here you can easily calculate my first calculating the total energy of degenerate neutron gas and then differentiating it w.r.t volume to get pressure.
 
neutron star mass-radius relation...


The neutron star mass-radius relation is dependent on a particular neutron star model, however the mass-radius relation for my model based upon the Proton charge radius and Tolman mass equation solution VII:

m_n = 1.6749272928 \cdot 10^{-27} \; \text{kg} - Neutron mass
r_p = 0.8757 \cdot 10^{-15} \; \text{m} - Proton charge radius

Proton charge radius neutron density:
\rho_n = \frac{3 m_n}{4 \pi r_p^3}

Neutron star core density equivalent to Proton charge radius neutron density:
\rho_c = \rho_n

Total Tolman mass equation solution VII:
M_0(R) = \frac{8 \pi \rho_c R^3}{15} = \frac{8 \pi R^3}{15} \left( \frac{3 m_n}{4 \pi r_p^3} \right) = \frac{2 m_n R^3}{5 r_p^3}

Total mass-radius equation for the Tolman solution VII:
\boxed{M_0(R) = \frac{2 m_n R^3}{5 r_p^3}}

Mass of a 10 km radius Tolman VII neutron star:
\boxed{M_0(10 \; \text{km}) = 9.976 \cdot 10^{29} \; \text{kg}}

Note that the lower limit for total radius R, is equivalent to the Schwarzschild radius and the upper limit for total mass M(R), is equivalent to the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkov mass limit.
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Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron"
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=1718805&postcount=39"
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=1792334&postcount=47"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwarzschild_radius"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff_limit"
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Tuugii, what is your mass-radius equation for a white dwarf?
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