Radial oscillations of gravitational star

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the radial oscillations of a gravitational star composed of a large number of particles, analyzing the virial equation and the conditions for small oscillations. It establishes that the virial equation can be expressed as ##\frac{d^2I}{dt^2}=-2U+c##, where c is a constant. The angular frequency of radial oscillations is derived as ##\omega =\left (\frac{|U_0|}{I_0} \right )^\frac{1}{2}##, with U0 and I0 representing equilibrium values. Additionally, for a star with mass density varying as r-α, the angular frequency is given by ##\omega =\left (\frac{(5-\alpha) GM }{(5-2\alpha)R^3} \right )^\frac{1}{2}##, where M is the total mass and R is the radius of the star.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Newtonian dynamics and gravitational interactions
  • Familiarity with the concepts of potential energy (U) and kinetic energy (K)
  • Knowledge of the virial theorem and its applications in astrophysics
  • Ability to manipulate mathematical expressions involving summations and derivatives
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the virial theorem in detail and its implications in astrophysical contexts
  • Learn about the binomial approximation and its applications in perturbation theory
  • Explore the relationship between mass density variations and oscillation frequencies in stellar structures
  • Investigate the dynamics of small oscillations in gravitational systems using differential equations
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying gravitational dynamics and stellar oscillations will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the mathematical modeling of star behavior under gravitational forces.

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Consider a spherical star made of N (very large number) particles interacting via gravity.Let the mass of ith particle be mi and position be xi
Let ##I= \sum_{i=1}^{N}m_{i}r_{i}##, U be potential energy and K be kinetic energy

1)Show that the virial equation takes the form ##\frac{d^2I}{dt^2}=-2U+c##
where c is a constant
2)The star undergoes small oscillations with radial displacement proportional to radial distance(ri).Show the angular frequency of the radial oscillation is
##\omega =\left (\frac{|U_0|}{I_0} \right )^\frac{1}{2}##
where U0 and I0 are equillibrium values.
3) If the mass density of the star varies radially as r,show that
##\omega =\left (\frac{(5-\alpha) GM }{(5-2\alpha)R^3} \right )^\frac{1}{2}##
where M is total mass and R is radius of the star.

I got the first part (straightforward) but not the other two.
Source:Newtonian Dynamics, Richard Fitzpatrick
 
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Looks like a homework problem to me.

Here is a hint: How do U and I scale if the whole star gets smaller/larger by some constant factor?
Can you use this to express U in terms of I, U0 and I0?

For (C): you can calculate U as function of I.
 
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Thanks i got it now
I'd forgotten use the binomial approximation for the small perturbations , so i thought oscillations weren't simple.
 

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