Stellar Polytropes — Lane-Emden Equation

Hydrostatic equilibrium, polytropic index n, density profiles

Polytropic Index n

n = 1.5
ξ₁ (surface):
ρ_c/⟨ρ⟩:
Mass exponent:
Lane-Emden (1870/1907):
(1/ξ²) d/dξ[ξ² dθ/dξ] = −θⁿ
θ(0)=1, θ'(0)=0

P = Kρ^(1+1/n) (polytropic EOS)

• n=3/2: convective stars, white dwarfs (non-rel.)
• n=3: Eddington standard model, massive stars
• n=5: infinite radius (no surface)

ξ₁ = first zero of θ = stellar radius (in polytropic units)