Narrow Results

In this work, the analysis of the behavior of an interior solution in the frame of Einstein’s general theory of relativity is reported. Given the possibility that, for greater densities than the nuclear density, the matter presents anisotropies in the pressures and that these are the orders of density present in the interior of the compact stars, the solution that is discussed considers that the interior region contains an anisotropic fluid, i.e. $P_r\ne P_t$. The compactness value, where $u=\frac{GM}{c^{2}R}$, for which the solution is physically acceptable is $u\le 0.23577$ as such the graphic analysis of the model is developed for the case in which the mass $M=(0.85\pm 0.15)M_{\odot }$ and the radius $R=8.1\pm 0.41\mathrm{\text{km}}$ which corresponds to the star Her X-1, with maximum compactness $u_{max}=0.1919$, although for other values of compactness $u\le 0.23577$ the behavior is similar. The functions of density and pressures are positive, finite and monotonically decreasing, also the solution is stable according to the cracking criteria and the range of values is consistent with what is expected for these type of stars.

Starting with any stationary axisymmetric vacuum metric, we build anisotropic fluids. With the help of the Ernst method, the basic equations are derived together with the expression for the energy–momentum tensor and with the equation of state compatible with the field equations. The method is presented by using different coordinate systems: the cylindrical coordinates ρ, z and the oblate spheroidal ones. A class of interior solutions matching with stationary axisymmetric asymptotically flat vacuum solutions is found in oblate spheroidal coordinates. The solutions presented satisfy the three energy conditions.

Using a framework based on the $1+3$ formalism, we carry out a study on axially and reflection symmetric dissipative fluids, in the quasi-static regime. We first derive a set of invariantly defined “velocities”, which allow for an inambiguous definition of the quasi-static approximation. Next, we rewrite all the relevant equations in this approximation and extract all the possible, physically relevant, consequences ensuing the adoption of such an approximation. In particular, we show how the vorticity, the shear and the dissipative flux, may lead to situations where different kind of “velocities” change their sign within the fluid distribution with respect to their sign on the boundary surface. It is shown that states of gravitational radiation are not a priori incompatible with the quasi-static regime. However, any such state must last for an infinite period of time, thereby diminishing its physical relevance.

We carry out a general study on axially symmetric, static fluids admitting a conformal Killing vector (CKV). The physical relevance of this kind of symmetry is emphasized. Next, we investigate all possible consequences derived from the imposition of such a symmetry. Special attention is paid to the problem of symmetry inheritance. Several families of solutions endowed with a CKV are exhibited.