Relativistic Stellar Dynamics in Rotating Axially Symmetric Systems

Abstract

Recently the possibility has been raised of using general relativistic star clusters as models for quasi-stellar sources. The theory of static, spherically symmetric, collisionless star clusters has been developed within the framework of general relativity. In particular, analogues have been found of the Newtonian polytropic models and of Woolley’s truncated Maxwellian systems. However, in view of the importance of rotation on stability in relativistic astrophysical problems, it is of considerable interest to include the effect of rotation in relativistic stellar dynamics.