Difference between revisions of "User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/BiPolytropes"

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(→‎Setup: Insert sub-subsections and introduce concept of isothermal core)
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==Setup==
==Setup==


Here we lay the mathematical foundation for building a spherically symmetric structure in which the core and the envelope are described by different polytropic equations of state.  The <math>2^\mathrm{nd}</math> and <math>3^\mathrm{rd}</math> columns of Table 1 provide the relevant set of relations for a structure in which the core and envelope have, respectively, polytropic indexes <math>n_c</math> and <math>n_e</math>.  Drawing on our [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/Polytropes#Lane-Emden_Equation|related discussion of isolated polytropes]], it is clear that the structural profile in both regions should be given by a solution to the
Here we lay the mathematical foundation for building a spherically symmetric structure in which the core and the envelope are described by different barotropic equations of state.  The <math>2^\mathrm{nd}</math> and <math>3^\mathrm{rd}</math> columns of Table 1 provide the relevant set of relations for a structure in which the core and envelope obey polytropic equations of state that have, respectively, polytropic indexes <math>n_c</math> and <math>n_e</math>.  Drawing on our [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/Polytropes#Lane-Emden_Equation|related discussion of isolated polytropes]], it is clear that the structural profile in both regions should be given by a solution of the
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<span id="LaneEmdenEquation"><font color="#770000">'''Lane-Emden Equation'''</font></span>
<span id="LaneEmdenEquation"><font color="#770000">'''Lane-Emden Equation'''</font></span>
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{{User:Tohline/Math/EQ_SSLaneEmden01}}
{{User:Tohline/Math/EQ_SSLaneEmden01}}
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Using the Table 1 notation, the dimensionless radial coordinate through the core is <math>\xi</math>, and the relevant solution is a function, <math>\theta(\xi)</math>, whose value goes to <math>1</math> and whose first derivative, <math>d\theta/d\xi</math>, goes to <math>0</math> at <math>\xi = 0</math>.  Then, given a value of the central density, <math>\rho_0</math>, the density throughout the core is,
If either region is governed by an isothermal, rather than polytropic, equation of state then, as we have discussed in the context of both [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/IsothermalSphere#Isothermal_Sphere|isolated]] and [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/BonnorEbert#Pressure-Bounded_Isothermal_Sphere|pressure-bounded isothermal spheres]] and as is shown by equation (374) of [[User:Tohline/Appendix/References#C67|[<b><font color="red">C67</font></b>]]], the structural profile should be given instead by a solution of the related equation,
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<math>\rho(\xi) = \rho_0 \theta(\xi)^{n_c}</math>,
<math>
</div>
\frac{1}{\chi^2} \frac{d}{d\chi} \biggl( \chi^2 \frac{d\psi}{d\chi} \biggr) = e^{-\psi} \, .
and, given a value of the polytropic constant in the core, <math>K_c</math>, the pressure throughout the core is,
</math>
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<math>P(\xi) = K_c \rho_0^{1+1/n_c} \theta(\xi)^{n_c + 1}</math>.
</div>
</div>
Likewise, given <math>\rho_0</math> and <math>K_c</math>, the radial coordinate <math>r</math> (in dimensional rather than dimensionless units) and the mass enclosed within this radius, <math>M_r</math>, are given by the bottom two expressions shown in the <math>2^\mathrm{nd}</math> column of Table 1.
The <math>1^\mathrm{st}</math> column of Table 1 provides the relevant set of associated structural relations for an isothermal core.


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</table>
</table>
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===Polytropic Core===
Using the notation established in Table 1, if the core obeys a polytropic equation of state, the variable <math>\xi</math> will denote the dimensionless radial coordinate through the core and the relevant solution is a function, <math>\theta(\xi)</math>, whose value goes to <math>1</math> and whose first derivative, <math>d\theta/d\xi</math>, goes to <math>0</math> at <math>\xi = 0</math>.  Then, given a value of the central density, <math>\rho_0</math>, the density throughout the core is,
<div align="center">
<math>\rho(\xi) = \rho_0 \theta(\xi)^{n_c}</math> ;
</div>
and, given a value of the polytropic constant in the core, <math>K_c</math>, the pressure throughout the core is,
<div align="center">
<math>P(\xi) = K_c \rho_0^{1+1/n_c} \theta(\xi)^{n_c + 1}</math>.
</div>
Likewise, given <math>\rho_0</math> and <math>K_c</math>, the radial coordinate <math>r</math> (in dimensional rather than dimensionless units) and the mass enclosed within this radius, <math>M_r</math>, are given by the bottom two expressions shown in the <math>2^\mathrm{nd}</math> column of Table 1. 


The structure of an [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/Polytropes#Lane-Emden_Equation|isolated polytrope]] would be described by following the function <math>\theta(\xi)</math> all the way out to the surface, that is, to the radial location <math>\xi_\mathrm{surf}</math> where <math>\theta(\xi)</math> first drops to zero.  (Analytic solutions of this type are presented elsewhere for [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/Polytropes#n_.3D_0_Polytrope|<math>n = 0</math>]], [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/Polytropes#n_.3D_1_Polytrope|<math>n = 1</math>]], and [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/Polytropes#n_.3D_5_Polytrope|<math>n = 5</math>]].)  In constructing a bipolytrope, we will instead follow <math>\theta(\xi)</math> out to a radius <math>\xi_i < \xi_\mathrm{surf}</math>, then build an envelope whose inner radius &#8212; or ''base'' &#8212; is at the ''interface'' radius, <math>r_i</math>, that corresponds to <math>\xi_i</math>.  For any choice of the pair of polytropic indexes, <math>n_c</math> and <math>n_e</math>, a series of bipolytropes can then be constructed by choosing a variety of different interface radii.
The structure of an [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/Polytropes#Lane-Emden_Equation|isolated polytrope]] would be described by following the function <math>\theta(\xi)</math> all the way out to the surface, that is, to the radial location <math>\xi_\mathrm{surf}</math> where <math>\theta(\xi)</math> first drops to zero.  (Analytic solutions of this type are presented elsewhere for [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/Polytropes#n_.3D_0_Polytrope|<math>n = 0</math>]], [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/Polytropes#n_.3D_1_Polytrope|<math>n = 1</math>]], and [[User:Tohline/SSC/Structure/Polytropes#n_.3D_5_Polytrope|<math>n = 5</math>]].)  In constructing a bipolytrope, we will instead follow <math>\theta(\xi)</math> out to a radius <math>\xi_i < \xi_\mathrm{surf}</math>, then build an envelope whose inner radius &#8212; or ''base'' &#8212; is at the ''interface'' radius, <math>r_i</math>, that corresponds to <math>\xi_i</math>.  For any choice of the pair of polytropic indexes, <math>n_c</math> and <math>n_e</math>, a series of bipolytropes can then be constructed by choosing a variety of different interface radii.


===Polytropic Envelope===
Again following the notation of Table 1, we will use <math>\eta</math> to identify the dimensionless radial coordinate through the envelope, and the relevant solution of the Lane-Emden equation will be the function, <math>\phi(\eta)</math>.  The ''particular'' solution that we seek for the envelope will differ from the solution obtained in the core not only because the governing polytropic index is different but also because the envelope solution will be constrained by different boundary conditions:  The value of the function <math>\phi(\eta)</math> as well as its first derivative, <math>d\phi/d\eta</math>, must be specified at some radial location within the envelope.  Because the envelope does not extend all the way to the center of the structure, it makes more sense to choose a solution in which <math>\phi</math> is set to unity at the inner edge of the envelope &#8212; that is, at the radial location <math>\eta_i</math> that corresponds to <math>r_i</math> &#8212; rather than at <math>\eta = 0</math>.  By setting <math>\phi = 1</math> at the base of the envelope, it should be clear from the expression,  
Again following the notation of Table 1, we will use <math>\eta</math> to identify the dimensionless radial coordinate through the envelope, and the relevant solution of the Lane-Emden equation will be the function, <math>\phi(\eta)</math>.  The ''particular'' solution that we seek for the envelope will differ from the solution obtained in the core not only because the governing polytropic index is different but also because the envelope solution will be constrained by different boundary conditions:  The value of the function <math>\phi(\eta)</math> as well as its first derivative, <math>d\phi/d\eta</math>, must be specified at some radial location within the envelope.  Because the envelope does not extend all the way to the center of the structure, it makes more sense to choose a solution in which <math>\phi</math> is set to unity at the inner edge of the envelope &#8212; that is, at the radial location <math>\eta_i</math> that corresponds to <math>r_i</math> &#8212; rather than at <math>\eta = 0</math>.  By setting <math>\phi = 1</math> at the base of the envelope, it should be clear from the expression,  
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</div>  
</div>  


The value of <math>d\phi/d\eta</math> at the base of the envelope (''i.e.'', at <math>r_i</math>) also will be set by the properties of the core  at the interface &#8212; specifically, by the values of <math>(d\theta/d\xi)_i</math> and <math>\theta_i</math>.
As we will show in connection with Table 3, the value of <math>d\phi/d\eta</math> at the base of the envelope (''i.e.'', at <math>r_i</math>) also will be set by the properties of the core  at the interface &#8212; specifically, by the values of <math>(d\theta/d\xi)_i</math> and <math>\theta_i</math>.


==Interface Conditions==
==Interface Conditions==

Revision as of 15:43, 29 March 2013

BiPolytropes

Whitworth's (1981) Isothermal Free-Energy Surface
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This discussion of bipolytropes is built upon the early ideas and mathematical foundation laid out by Milne (1930), Cowling (1931), Schönberg & Chandrasekhar (1942) and, especially, §28 (pp. 171-174) of [C67].

Background

While polytropic spheres can give us useful general insight into the internal structure of stars, they do not faithfully represent the detailed structure of most stars, in part, because the equation of state that is most relevant to the densest regions of a star usually is different from the equation of state that is relevant to the star's envelope. As is highlighted in the following excerpt from Cowling (1931), Milne (1930) was among the first to suggest that more realism could be achieved by constructing what is now commonly referred to as a bipolytrope: a composite model in which the envelope, obeying one equation of state — described by polytropic index <math>n_e</math> — is fitted to a core obeying a different equation of state — described by polytropic index <math>n_c</math>.

Excerpt from the introductory paragraphs of Cowling (1931)

CowlingRE Milne1931.jpg

Milne (1930) envisioned that the temperature, <math>~T</math>, and pressure, <math>~P</math>, should be "continuous across the surface of fit." Given that <math>~T</math> and <math>~P</math> are continuous, he envisioned that the gas density, <math>~\rho</math>, should be continuous across the surface of fit as well. Schönberg & Chandrasekhar (1942) later pointed out — see the following journal article excerpt — that, if the core and envelope have different molecular weights, it is the ratio <math>~\rho</math>/<math>~\bar{\mu}</math> that should be continuous across the interface. A discontinuous jump in <math>~\bar{\mu}</math> at the interface — for example, switching from a pure helium core to an envelope whose dominant element is hydrogen — will therefore lead to a discontinuous jump in <math>~\rho</math> at the interface.

Excerpt from §2 of Schönberg & Chandrasekhar (1942)

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   Image:SchonbergChandra1942.jpg|600px|References
   rect 0  480 210 580 User:Tohline/PGE
   rect 260 480 850 580 User:Tohline/Appendix/References#C67
   desc none
   </imagemap> 

Schönberg & Chandrasekhar (1942) furthermore pointed out — again, see the relevant article excerpt — that, when constructing a bipolytropic model, the mathematical function that specifies the mass enclosed inside a spherical radius <math>r</math> for the core, <math>M(r)|_\mathrm{c}</math>, must give the same value as the mathematical function that specifies the mass enclosed inside a spherical radius <math>r</math> for the envelope, <math>M(r)|_\mathrm{e}</math> at the radial location of the interface, <math>r_i</math>.

Setup

Here we lay the mathematical foundation for building a spherically symmetric structure in which the core and the envelope are described by different barotropic equations of state. The <math>2^\mathrm{nd}</math> and <math>3^\mathrm{rd}</math> columns of Table 1 provide the relevant set of relations for a structure in which the core and envelope obey polytropic equations of state that have, respectively, polytropic indexes <math>n_c</math> and <math>n_e</math>. Drawing on our related discussion of isolated polytropes, it is clear that the structural profile in both regions should be given by a solution of the

Lane-Emden Equation

LSU Key.png

<math>~\frac{1}{\xi^2} \frac{d}{d\xi}\biggl( \xi^2 \frac{d\Theta_H}{d\xi} \biggr) = - \Theta_H^n</math>

If either region is governed by an isothermal, rather than polytropic, equation of state then, as we have discussed in the context of both isolated and pressure-bounded isothermal spheres and as is shown by equation (374) of [C67], the structural profile should be given instead by a solution of the related equation,

<math> \frac{1}{\chi^2} \frac{d}{d\chi} \biggl( \chi^2 \frac{d\psi}{d\chi} \biggr) = e^{-\psi} \, . </math>

The <math>1^\mathrm{st}</math> column of Table 1 provides the relevant set of associated structural relations for an isothermal core.

Table 1: Setup

Core: Choose isothermal equation of state or polytropic index <math>n_c</math>

Envelope

Isothermal <math>(n_c = \infty)</math>

<math>n = n_c</math>

<math>n = n_e</math>

<math> \frac{1}{\chi^2} \frac{d}{d\chi} \biggl( \chi^2 \frac{d\psi}{d\chi} \biggr) = e^{-\psi} </math>

sol'n: <math> \psi(\chi) </math>

<math> \frac{1}{\xi^2} \frac{d}{d\xi} \biggl( \xi^2 \frac{d\theta}{d\xi} \biggr) = \theta^{n_c} </math>

sol'n: <math> \theta(\xi) </math>

<math> \frac{1}{\eta^2} \frac{d}{d\eta} \biggl( \eta^2 \frac{d\phi}{d\eta} \biggr) = \phi^{n_e} </math>

sol'n: <math> \phi(\eta) </math>

Specify: <math>c_s^2</math> and <math>\rho_0 ~\Rightarrow</math>

<math>\rho</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\rho_0 e^{-\psi}</math>

<math>P</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>c_s^2 \rho_0 e^{-\psi}</math>

<math>r</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\biggl[ \frac{c_s^2}{4\pi G\rho_0} \biggr]^{1/2} \chi</math>

<math>M_r</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\biggl[ \frac{c_s^6}{4\pi G^3\rho_0} \biggr]^{1/2} \biggl( \chi^2 \frac{d\psi}{d\chi} \biggr)</math>

Specify: <math>K_c</math> and <math>\rho_0 ~\Rightarrow</math>

<math>\rho</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\rho_0 \theta^{n_c}</math>

<math>P</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>K_c \rho_0^{1+1/n_c} \theta^{n_c + 1}</math>

<math>r</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\biggl[ \frac{(n_c + 1)K_c}{4\pi G} \biggr]^{1/2} \rho_0^{(1-n_c)/(2n_c)} \xi</math>

<math>M_r</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>4\pi \biggl[ \frac{(n_c + 1)K_1}{4\pi G} \biggr]^{3/2} \rho_0^{(3-n_c)/(2n_c)} \biggl(-\xi^2 \frac{d\theta}{d\xi} \biggr)</math>

Knowing: <math>K_e</math> and <math>\rho_e ~\Rightarrow</math>

<math>\rho</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\rho_e \phi^{n_e}</math>

<math>P</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>K_e \rho_e^{1+1/n_e} \phi^{n_e + 1}</math>

<math>r</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\biggl[ \frac{(n_e + 1)K_e}{4\pi G} \biggr]^{1/2} \rho_e^{(1-n_e)/(2n_e)} \eta</math>

<math>M_r</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>4\pi \biggl[ \frac{(n_e + 1)K_e}{4\pi G} \biggr]^{3/2} \rho_e^{(3-n_e)/(2n_e)} \biggl(-\eta^2 \frac{d\phi}{d\eta} \biggr)</math>


Polytropic Core

Using the notation established in Table 1, if the core obeys a polytropic equation of state, the variable <math>\xi</math> will denote the dimensionless radial coordinate through the core and the relevant solution is a function, <math>\theta(\xi)</math>, whose value goes to <math>1</math> and whose first derivative, <math>d\theta/d\xi</math>, goes to <math>0</math> at <math>\xi = 0</math>. Then, given a value of the central density, <math>\rho_0</math>, the density throughout the core is,

<math>\rho(\xi) = \rho_0 \theta(\xi)^{n_c}</math> ;

and, given a value of the polytropic constant in the core, <math>K_c</math>, the pressure throughout the core is,

<math>P(\xi) = K_c \rho_0^{1+1/n_c} \theta(\xi)^{n_c + 1}</math>.

Likewise, given <math>\rho_0</math> and <math>K_c</math>, the radial coordinate <math>r</math> (in dimensional rather than dimensionless units) and the mass enclosed within this radius, <math>M_r</math>, are given by the bottom two expressions shown in the <math>2^\mathrm{nd}</math> column of Table 1.

The structure of an isolated polytrope would be described by following the function <math>\theta(\xi)</math> all the way out to the surface, that is, to the radial location <math>\xi_\mathrm{surf}</math> where <math>\theta(\xi)</math> first drops to zero. (Analytic solutions of this type are presented elsewhere for <math>n = 0</math>, <math>n = 1</math>, and <math>n = 5</math>.) In constructing a bipolytrope, we will instead follow <math>\theta(\xi)</math> out to a radius <math>\xi_i < \xi_\mathrm{surf}</math>, then build an envelope whose inner radius — or base — is at the interface radius, <math>r_i</math>, that corresponds to <math>\xi_i</math>. For any choice of the pair of polytropic indexes, <math>n_c</math> and <math>n_e</math>, a series of bipolytropes can then be constructed by choosing a variety of different interface radii.

Polytropic Envelope

Again following the notation of Table 1, we will use <math>\eta</math> to identify the dimensionless radial coordinate through the envelope, and the relevant solution of the Lane-Emden equation will be the function, <math>\phi(\eta)</math>. The particular solution that we seek for the envelope will differ from the solution obtained in the core not only because the governing polytropic index is different but also because the envelope solution will be constrained by different boundary conditions: The value of the function <math>\phi(\eta)</math> as well as its first derivative, <math>d\phi/d\eta</math>, must be specified at some radial location within the envelope. Because the envelope does not extend all the way to the center of the structure, it makes more sense to choose a solution in which <math>\phi</math> is set to unity at the inner edge of the envelope — that is, at the radial location <math>\eta_i</math> that corresponds to <math>r_i</math> — rather than at <math>\eta = 0</math>. By setting <math>\phi = 1</math> at the base of the envelope, it should be clear from the expression,

<math> \rho = \rho_e \phi^{n_e} \, , </math>

(taken from the <math>3^\mathrm{rd}</math> column of Table 1) that <math>\rho_e</math> represents the value of the gas density at the base of the envelope. The value of <math>\rho_e</math> can be obtained from knowledge of the gas density at the outer edge of the core (i.e., at <math>r_i</math>) combined with the specified molecular-weight jump condition at the interface. Looking ahead at the first interface condition for a polytropic core catalogued in Table 2, we see more specifically that, after setting <math>\phi_i = 1</math>,

<math> \rho_e = \rho_0 \biggl( \frac{\mu_e}{\mu_c} \biggr) \theta^{n_c}_i \, . </math>

As we will show in connection with Table 3, the value of <math>d\phi/d\eta</math> at the base of the envelope (i.e., at <math>r_i</math>) also will be set by the properties of the core at the interface — specifically, by the values of <math>(d\theta/d\xi)_i</math> and <math>\theta_i</math>.

Interface Conditions

The <math>2^\mathrm{nd}</math> and <math>3^\mathrm{rd}</math> columns of Table 1 provide the mathematical relations that are needed to implement the interface matching conditions specified by equation (1) of Schönberg & Chandrasekhar (1942) when the core obeys a polytropic equation of state.

Table 2: Interface Conditions

Polytropic Core

Isothermal Core

<math>\biggl( \frac{\rho_0}{\mu_c} \biggr) \theta^{n_c}_i</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\biggl( \frac{\rho_e}{\mu_e} \biggr) \phi^{n_e}_i</math>

<math>K_c \rho_0^{1+1/n_c} \theta^{n_c + 1}_i</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>K_e \rho_e^{1+1/n_e} \phi^{n_e + 1}_i</math>

<math>\biggl[ \frac{(n_c + 1)K_c}{4\pi G} \biggr]^{1/2} \rho_0^{(1-n_c)/(2n_c)} \xi_i</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\biggl[ \frac{(n_e + 1)K_e}{4\pi G} \biggr]^{1/2} \rho_e^{(1-n_e)/(2n_e)} \eta_i</math>

<math>[ (n_c + 1)K_1 ]^{3/2} \rho_0^{(3-n_c)/(2n_c)} \biggl(-\xi^2 \frac{d\theta}{d\xi} \biggr)_i</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>[ (n_e + 1)K_e ]^{3/2} \rho_e^{(3-n_e)/(2n_e)} \biggl(-\eta^2 \frac{d\phi}{d\eta} \biggr)_i</math>

<math>\biggl( \frac{\rho_0}{\mu_c} \biggr) e^{-\psi_i}</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\biggl( \frac{\rho_e}{\mu_e} \biggr) \phi^{n_e}_i</math>

<math>c_s^2 \rho_0 e^{-\psi_i}</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>K_e \rho_e^{1+1/n_e} \phi^{n_e + 1}_i</math>

<math>\biggl[ \frac{c_s^2}{4\pi G\rho_0} \biggr]^{1/2} \chi_i</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>\biggl[ \frac{(n_e + 1)K_e}{4\pi G} \biggr]^{1/2} \rho_e^{(1-n_e)/(2n_e)} \eta_i</math>

<math>\biggl[ \frac{c_s^6}{4\pi G^3\rho_0} \biggr]^{1/2} \biggl( \chi^2 \frac{d\psi}{d\chi} \biggr)_i</math>

<math>=</math>

<math>4\pi \biggl[ \frac{(n_e + 1)K_e}{4\pi G} \biggr]^{3/2} \rho_e^{(3-n_e)/(2n_e)} \biggl(-\eta^2 \frac{d\phi}{d\eta} \biggr)_i</math>

Solutions

whose value goes to <math>1</math> and whose first derivative, <math>d\theta/d\xi</math>, goes to <math>0</math> at <math>\xi = 0</math>. Then, given a value of the central density, <math>\rho_0</math>, the density throughout the core is,

<math>\rho(\xi) = \rho_0 \theta(\xi)^{n_c}</math>,

and, given a value of the polytropic constant in the core, <math>K_c</math>, the pressure throughout the core is,

<math>P(\xi) = K_c \rho_0^{1+1/n_c} \theta(\xi)^{n_c + 1}</math>.

Likewise, given <math>\rho_0</math> and <math>K_c</math>, the radial coordinate <math>r</math> (in dimensional rather than dimensionless units) and the mass enclosed within this radius, <math>M_r</math>, are given by the bottom two expressions shown in the <math>2^\mathrm{nd}</math> column of Table 1.

Old Material

As has been derived and discussed elsewhere, an isolated isothermal sphere has a density profile that extends to infinity and, correspondingly, an unbounded total mass. In an astrophysical context, neither of these properties is desirable. A more realistic isothermal configuration can be constructed by embedding the structure in a low density, but hot external medium whose pressure, <math>P_e</math>, confines the isothermal configuration to a finite size. In a mathematical model, this can be accomplished by ripping off an outer layer of the isolated isothermal configuration down to the radius — label it <math>\xi_e</math> — at which the configuration's original (internal) pressure equals <math>P_e</math>; the interior of the configuration that remains — containing mass <math>M_{\xi_e}</math> — should be unaltered and in equilibrium. (This will work only for spherically symmetric configurations, as the gravitational acceleration at any location only depends on the mass contained inside that radius.) Ebert (1955) and Bonnor (1956) are credited with constructing the first such models and, most significantly, discovering that, for any specified sound speed and applied external pressure, there is a mass above which no equilibrium configuration exists. We present, here, the salient elements of these (essentially equivalent) derivations.

Prior to studying this discussion of pressure-bounded isothermal spheres, we recommend studying our related discussion of pressure-bounded <math>~n</math> = 5 polytropes. As with isolated isothermal spheres, isolated <math>~n</math> = 5 polytropes extend to infinity. But, unlike their isothermal counterparts, the structure of <math>~n</math> = 5 polytropes is describable analytically. Hence, an analysis of their structure and its extension to pressure-bounded configurations avoids the clutter introduced by a model — such as the isothermal sphere — that can only be described numerically. As it turns out, the pressure-bounded <math>~n</math> = 5 polytrope exhibits a Bonnor-Ebert type limiting mass that is analytically prescribable. Its derivation is mathematically quite clean and provides a firm foundation for understanding the better known — but only numerically prescribable — Bonnor-Ebert limiting mass.

Governing Relation

The equilibrium structure of an isolated isothermal sphere, as derived by Emden (1907), has been discussed elsewhere. From this separate discussion we appreciate that the governing ODE is,

<math>\frac{1}{r^2} \frac{d}{dr}\biggl( r^2 \frac{d\ln\rho}{dr} \biggr) =- \frac{4\pi G}{c_s^2} \rho \, ,</math>

where,

<math>c_s^2 = \frac{\Re T}{\bar{\mu}} = \frac{k T}{m_u \bar{\mu}} \, ,</math>

is the square of the isothermal sound speed. In their studies of pressure-bounded isothermal spheres, Ebert (1955, ZA, 37, 217) and Bonnor (1956, MNRAS, 116, 351) both started with this governing ODE, but developed its solution in different ways. Here we present both developments while highlighting transformations between the two.

Derivation by Bonnor (edited) translation Derivation by Ebert (edited)
Bonnor (1956, MNRAS, 116, 351)
<math>G \Leftrightarrow \gamma</math>
Ebert (1955, ZA, 37, 217)
<math>\rho_c \Leftrightarrow \rho_0</math>
<math>\frac{kT}{m} \Leftarrow c_s^2 \Rightarrow \frac{\Re T_0}{\mu}</math>
<math>\beta^{1/2}\lambda^{-1/2} \Leftrightarrow l_0</math>
<math>e^{-\psi} \Leftrightarrow \eta</math>

Both of these dimensionless governing ODEs — Bonnor's Eq. (2.8) and Ebert's Eq. (17) — are identical to the dimensionless expression derived by Emden (see the presentation elsewhere), namely,

<math> \frac{d^2v_1}{d\mathfrak{r}_1^2} +\frac{2}{\mathfrak{r}_1} \frac{dv_1}{dr} + e^{v_1} = 0 \, . </math>

The translation from Emden-to-Bonnor-to-Ebert is straightforward:

<math> \mathfrak{r}_1 = \xi|_\mathrm{Bonner} = \xi|_\mathrm{Ebert}~~~~\mathrm{and}~~~~e^{v_1} = e^{-\psi} = \eta \, . </math>

Related Wikipedia Discussions

Whitworth's (1981) Isothermal Free-Energy Surface

© 2014 - 2021 by Joel E. Tohline
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Recommended citation:   Tohline, Joel E. (2021), The Structure, Stability, & Dynamics of Self-Gravitating Fluids, a (MediaWiki-based) Vistrails.org publication, https://www.vistrails.org/index.php/User:Tohline/citation