A new equation for the mid-plane potential of power law discs
From MaRDI portal
Publication:3614072
DOI10.1051/0004-6361:200809682zbMATH Open1156.85308arXiv0808.1634OpenAlexW2111441458WikidataQ68857939 ScholiaQ68857939MaRDI QIDQ3614072FDOQ3614072
Authors: J.-M. Huré, Franck Hersant, C. Carreau, J.-P. Busset 
Publication date: 16 March 2009
Published in: Astronomy & Astrophysics (Search for Journal in Brave)
Abstract: The first-order ordinary differential equation (ODE) that describes the mid-plane gravitational potential in flat finite size discs in which the surface density is a power-law function of the radius R with exponent s (Hur'e & Hersant 2007) is solved exactly in terms of infinite series. The formal solution of the ODE is derived and then converted into a series representation by expanding the elliptic integral of the first kind over its modulus before analytical integration. Inside the disc, the gravitational potential consists of three terms: a power law of radius R with index 1+s, and two infinite series of the variables R and 1/R. The convergence of the series can be accelerated, enabling the construction of reliable approximations. At the lowest-order, the potential inside large astrophysical discs (s ~ -1.5 +/- 1) is described by a very simple formula whose accuracy (a few percent typically) is easily increased by considering successive orders through a recurrence. A basic algorithm is given. Applications concern all theoretical models and numerical simulations where the influence of disc gravity must be checked and/or reliably taken into account.
Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/0808.1634
Recommendations
Exact solutions to problems in general relativity and gravitational theory (83C15) Galactic and stellar structure (85A15)
Cited In (4)
This page was built for publication: A new equation for the mid-plane potential of power law discs
Report a bug (only for logged in users!)Click here to report a bug for this page (MaRDI item Q3614072)
