Poisson and continuity equation for collapsing polytropes

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on the correct application of the Poisson equation in the context of collapsing polytropes as described in Kippenhahn & Weigert's "Stellar Structure and Evolution." The user initially misidentified the velocity potential \(\psi\) as the function in the Poisson equation, but later clarified that the gravitational potential \(\Phi\) should be used instead. This correction was confirmed through dimensional analysis, highlighting the importance of thorough reading in academic texts.

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  • Understanding of the Poisson equation in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with gravitational potential and velocity potential concepts
  • Knowledge of polytropic models in stellar structure
  • Basic dimensional analysis techniques
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  • Study the application of the Poisson equation in stellar dynamics
  • Explore the concept of polytropes in astrophysics
  • Learn about the differences between gravitational potential and velocity potential
  • Review dimensional analysis in the context of physical equations
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Astronomy students, astrophysicists, and researchers focusing on stellar structure and evolution, particularly those studying polytropic models and gravitational dynamics.

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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:
[itex]r=a(t)z[/itex]
and a velocity potential [itex]\psi[/itex]:
[itex]\frac{\partial r}{\partial t}=v_r=\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial r}[/itex]
the authors rewrite the Poisson equation:
[itex]\frac{1}{z^2}\frac{\partial}{\partial z}(z^2\frac{\partial \psi}{\partial z})=4\pi G\rho a^2[/itex]
but I think there should be the gravitational potential [itex]\phi[/itex] instead of [itex]\psi[/itex], 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!
 
Last edited:
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Ok, i got through it, and there is a mistake, indeed. The function in the differential equation is [itex]\Phi[/itex], the gravitational potential, and not the velocity potential [itex]\psi[/itex]... 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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