Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: We discuss the possible topologies of the mass-radius relation for hybrid stars in light of catastrophe theory. We show that different branches of compact stars emerge or disappear depending on the bifurcation structure of the underlying catastrophe potential function, the mathematical analog of an effective potential. For that we assume a single first-order phase transition between nuclear and quark matter. After a warm up with incompressible fluids, we present a qualitative discussion explaining the (dis)appearance of (un)stable branches for hybrid stars as the control parameters change.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Fraga, Eduardo S., Jorás, Sergio E.
Institution: Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7214393342