On the Critical Mass: the case of white dwarfs
arXiv:astro-ph/0006037 · doi:10.1142/9789812792174_0026
Abstract
We recall the generalization of the Feynman-Metropolis-Teller approximation for a compressed atom using a relativistic Fermi-Thomas model. These results within a Wigner-Seitz approximation lead to a new equation of state for white dwarfs and to a new value of their critical mass, smaller than the one obtained by Chandrasekhar. The possible observations of these effects in binary neutron stars are outlined.
arXiv comment11 pages, 2 figures, to appear in "Exploring the Universe", a Festschrift in honour of Riccardo Giacconi, H. Gursky, R. Ruffini and L. Stella eds., World Scientific, Singapore, 2000