arXiv subjects

Njabulo Mkhize

Publications and source records attributed to Njabulo Mkhize.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

Generating exact polytropes in non-conservative unimodular geometries

The trace-free Einstein equations contain one equation less than the complete field equations. In a static and spherically symmetric spacetime, the number of field equations is thus reduced to two. The equation of pressure isotropy of general relativity, however, is preserved thus showing that any known perfect fluid spacetime is a suitable candidate for the trace-free scenario. The extra freedom in imposing two constraints may now be exploited to include polytopes, something that is difficult in general relativity. The point here is that using any known exact solution one can find a polytropic star for various values of the polytropic index. One arrives at Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff type equations and can study their solutions explicitly. Two examples of well-known stellar distributions that generate polytropes with physically reasonable behaviour are discussed. These models are regular, exhibit a sound speed that is never superluminal and are adiabatically stable in the sense of Chandrasekhar. We investigate a compactness measure confirming that our results are consistent with some observational data.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

All Conformally Flat Einstein--Gauss--Bonnet static Metrics

It is known that the standard Schwarzschild interior metric is conformally flat and generates a constant density sphere in any spacetime dimension in Einstein and Einstein--Gauss--Bonnet gravity. This motivates the questions: In EGB does the conformal flatness criterion yield the Schwarzschild metric? Does the assumption of constant density generate the Schwarzschild interior spacetime? The answer to both questions turn out in the negative in general. In the case of the constant density sphere, a generalised Schwarzschild metric emerges. When we invoke the conformal flatness condition the Schwarschild interior solution is obtained as one solution and another metric which does not yield a constant density hypersphere in EGB theory is found. For the latter solution one of the gravitational metrics is obtained explicitly while the other is determined up to quadratures in 5 and 6 dimensions. The physical properties of these new solutions are studied with the use of numerical methods and a parameter space is located for which both models display pleasing physical behaviour.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Qualitative analysis of the Tolman metrics within the unimodular framework

We investigate the behaviour of the Tolman metrics within the formalism of the trace-free (or unimodular) gravity. While this approach is similar to the standard Einstein field equations, some subtlety arises. The effective number of independent field equations is reduced by one on account of the density and pressure appearing as an inseparable entity the inertial mass density. Further energy is not conserved within the trace-free theory but the conservation law may be supplemented to the field equations. This presentation of the field equations offers a different avenue to determine the density and pressure explicitly. It turns out that an extra integration constant is always in evidence. While this constant has little impact on the dynamics and energy conditions, it makes a significant impact on the gravitational mass and equation of state. Graphical plots are generated to analyse the behaviour of physical quantities qualitatively.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Static trace free Einstein equations and stellar distributions

We construct models of static spherical distributions of perfect fluid in trace--free Einstein gravity theory. The equations governing the gravitational field are equivalent to the standard Einstein's equations however, their presentation is manifestly different which motivates the question whether new information would emerge due to the nonlinearity of the field equations. The incompressible fluid assumption does not lead to the well known Schwarzschild interior metric of Einstein gravity and a term denoting the presence of a cosmological constant is present on account of the integration process. The Schwarzschild interior is regained as a special case of a richer geometry. On the other hand, when the Schwarzschild geometry is prescribed, a constant density fluid emerges consistent with the standard equations. A complete model of an isothermal fluid sphere with pressure and density obeying the inverse square law is obtained. Corrections to the model previously presented in the literature by Saslaw {\it {et al}} are exhibited. The isothermal ansatz does not yield a constant gravitational potential in general but both potentials are position dependent. Conversely, it is shown that assuming a constant $g_{rr}$ gravitational potential does not yield an isothermal fluid in general as is the case in standard general relativity. The results of the standard Einstein equations are special cases of the models reported here. Noteworthy is the fact that whereas the previously reported isothermal solution was only of cosmological interest, the solution reported herein admit compact objects by virtue of the fact that a pressure-free hypersurface exists. Finally we analyze the consequences of selecting the Finch--Skea metric as the seed solution.

gr-qc↗