Work

Thermal expansion coefficient and isothermal and adiabatic compressibilities of the relativistic free electron gas

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We investigate the thermodynamic response of an ideal relativistic electron gas by calculating its thermal expansion coefficient as well as its isothermal and adiabatic compressibilities at finite temperature. Analytical results are obtained in the non-relativistic and ultra-relativistic limits, highlighting the transition between the classical and strongly relativistic regimes, i.e., a transition relevant to compact astrophysical objects. In the zero-temperature degeneracy limit, our expressions underscore the dominant role of Fermi pressure in determining the stiffness of the equation of state, a key factor for modeling white dwarfs and neutron star crusts. These results thus provide useful data for developing astrophysical equations of state in dense plasmas.

Source: AIP Advances

DOI: 10.1063/5.0357729

Author: Gérald Faussurier

Institutions: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, Université Paris-Saclay, CEA Paris-Saclay - Etablissement de Saclay, CEA DAM Île-de-France, Laboratoire Matière en Conditions Extrêmes

Language: English

Topic: Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,350

OpenAlex ID: W7225183941

FWCI:

Cites: 11

Cited by:

Related to: 10