Poisson and continuity equation for collapsing polytropes

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the application of the Poisson equation in the context of collapsing polytropes as presented in Kippenhahn & Weigert's "Stellar Structure and Evolution." Initially, the user expresses confusion over the use of the velocity potential \(\psi\) instead of the gravitational potential \(\Phi\) in the equation. After conducting a dimensional analysis, the user concludes that the equation was indeed incorrect. Ultimately, the user discovers the correct formula later in the text, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly reading the material. This highlights the need for careful review when studying complex topics in astrophysics.
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Hello everybody!
I am using in my studies this beautiful book by Kippenhahn & Weigert, "Stellar Structure and Evolution", but I have some problems about collapsing polytropes (chapter 19.11)...
After defining dimensionless lenght-scale z by:
r=a(t)z
and a velocity potential \psi:
\frac{\partial r}{\partial t}=v_r=\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial r}
the authors rewrite the Poisson equation:
\frac{1}{z^2}\frac{\partial}{\partial z}(z^2\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial z})=4\pi G\rho a^2
but I think there should be the gravitational potential \phi instead of \psi, in fact performing a simple dimensional analysis shows that the left hand side is a square length over time, while the right hand side is a square length over square time, so I think the equation is wrong... Am I right? Did I miss something? :confused:
Help please!
Thanks!
 
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Ok, i got through it, and there is a mistake, indeed. The function in the differential equation is \Phi, the gravitational potential, and not the velocity potential \psi... I found the correct formula... in the following page :biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin:
Life lesson: always read until end of chapter! (or paragraph at least...)
 
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