Undergrad Solving Spherically Symmetric Static Star Equations of Motion

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the equation of motion for spherically symmetric static stars, specifically the equation $$ (\rho + p) \frac {d\Phi} {dr} = - \frac {dp} {dr} $$ from the conservation of the stress-energy tensor $$T^{\alpha\beta}_{\,\,\,\,;\beta} = 0$$. The user encountered confusion while applying the equation for the radial component $$\alpha=r$$, leading to an incorrect conclusion of $$\frac {dp} {dr} = 0$$. The resolution involved recognizing the need to consider all components of $$\beta$$, as highlighted by user @PeterDonis and referenced in an Insights article on the Einstein field equation in static spherically symmetric spacetimes.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of general relativity and the Einstein field equations
  • Familiarity with the stress-energy tensor and its components
  • Knowledge of differential geometry and Christoffel symbols
  • Basic concepts of spherically symmetric solutions in astrophysics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the Einstein field equations in static spherically symmetric spacetimes
  • Learn about the implications of the stress-energy tensor in general relativity
  • Explore the role of Christoffel symbols in the covariant derivative of tensors
  • Investigate the physical significance of pressure and density in stellar structures
USEFUL FOR

Researchers in theoretical physics, astrophysicists studying stellar dynamics, and graduate students in general relativity seeking to understand the equations governing spherically symmetric static stars.

epovo
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TL;DR
Help with getting the result in Schutz
Hi guys,
I can't seem to be able to get to
$$ (\rho + p) \frac {d\Phi} {dr} = - \frac {dp} {dr} $$
from
$$T^{\alpha\beta}_{\,\,\,\,;\beta} = 0$$
the only one of these 4 equations (in the case of a spherically symmetric static star) that does not identically vanish is that for ##\alpha=r##

Because ##T^{\alpha\beta}## is diagonal, that means ##T^{rr}_{\,\,\,\,;r}=0##.
We know that ##T^{rr}=p e^{-2\Lambda}## and that ##\Gamma^r_{\mu r} = \Lambda_{,r}##. So,

$$T^{rr}_{\,\,\,\,;r}=T^{rr}_{\,\,\,\,,r} + 2 \Gamma^r_{\mu r} T^{\mu r} = p_{,r}e^{-2\Lambda} - 2 p e^{-2\Lambda}\Lambda_{,r} + 2 \Lambda_{,r}p e^{-2\Lambda}=0 $$

And I get simply

$$ \frac {dp} {dr} = 0 $$
... which makes no sense! where did I go wrong? This is going to be embarrassing....
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Silly me! I don't know how I could have omitted the rest of the ##\beta##-components.
Thank you @PeterDonis
 

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