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New Insights on Gravitational Collapse Mechanisms

Research reveals new perspectives on gravitational collapse and its implications for the universe.

― 5 min read


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Gravitational Collapse is a fundamental process where matter falls under its own gravity, often resulting in the formation of dense objects like stars or black holes. This topic has intrigued scientists for a long time as it raises various questions about the nature of gravity and the fate of astronomical bodies.

The Concept of Gravitational Collapse

When a massive object, such as a star, exhausts its fuel, it can no longer support itself against its own gravity. The matter within starts to collapse inward. In our universe, this process is usually connected with the creation of black holes, where the gravitational pull becomes so strong that not even light can escape.

However, the understanding of this phenomenon has evolved over the years, and it is now believed that gravitational collapse might not always lead to singularities, points where the laws of physics as we know them cease to apply. The idea of avoiding singularities and achieving a stable state during this collapse is crucial for further research.

The Role of Modified Heisenberg Algebra

Recent research has introduced the idea of modified Heisenberg algebra. Traditional Heisenberg algebra is a foundation of quantum mechanics, outlining the relationship between pairs of physical properties like position and momentum. The modified version adds more complexity, allowing for examination beyond the limits of standard theories.

These modifications take into account small corrections to how gravity behaves, particularly in extreme conditions, such as near black holes or during the collapse of massive objects. It suggests that our understanding of how gravity works might not be complete, especially at very small scales.

Studying Spherical Dust Cloud Collapse

A spherical dust cloud is a simplified model that helps scientists study the dynamics of gravitational collapse. This model assumes that the cloud is made of non-interacting particles uniformly distributed throughout space. The research presents collapse scenarios both in a simplified Newtonian version and in a more complex relativistic version.

Newtonian Collapse Model

The Newtonian approach provides a basic framework by considering gravity as a force acting on the particles in the cloud. As the cloud collapses, its behavior can be described using conventional physics, which has its limitations but sets the stage for more complex ideas.

The findings indicate that under certain conditions, the collapsing cloud may stabilize and form a temporary state instead of leading to singularity. By introducing corrections through modified algebra, the collapse can be steered towards a more stable configuration. This means that rather than disappearing into a singular state, the cloud can settle into a steady form, avoiding the extreme outcomes predicted by classical models.

General Relativistic Approach

The relativistic approach looks at how the cloud behaves using Einstein’s theory of general relativity, which considers how gravity affects space and time. In this case, the mathematics becomes more intricate as the curvature of space needs to be accounted for.

Although the general relativistic model seems more complex, the results align with the Newtonian findings; once again, the collapse can lead to a stable configuration rather than a singularity. This suggests that the fundamental laws of physics might allow for a different outcome than previously thought.

The Importance of Stability and Perturbations

Stability during gravitational collapse is essential, as it can determine whether a star will form or if it will collapse into a black hole. The studies find that under certain conditions, small disturbances in the cloud will not lead to collapse or fragmentation, implying a level of stability in the system.

When investigating what happens to small perturbations-variations or fluctuations within the cloud-the research suggests that interactions, such as pressure from gas, can help sustain stability. As long as the energy from perturbations remains within certain limits, the system can maintain its form without collapsing entirely.

Implications for Astrophysical Objects

One critical takeaway from this research is its implications for understanding compact stars, like neutron stars, which are incredibly dense and exist under immense gravitational pressure. Existence above certain mass limits suggests they shouldn't hold together without collapsing into a black hole, yet observations have shown them exceeding these limits.

The theories exploring non-singular collapse may explain how these compact stars can remain stable despite their size. New ideas in gravity suggest modifications at small scales could play a role in forming stars that withstand collapse without creating black holes.

Conclusion

The research on non-singular gravitational collapse and modified Heisenberg algebra highlights a significant shift in understanding gravity's role in the universe. By addressing gravitational collapse in both Newtonian and relativistic frameworks, researchers explore new outcomes that may change how we comprehend the evolution of stars and other celestial bodies.

As science continues to evolve, exploring the intricate details of gravitational collapse promises to uncover more about the universe's structure and the fundamental laws that govern it. The interplay of matter, energy, and gravity remains a hotbed of inquiry, driving scientists to rethink existing theories and embrace new ideas.

This understanding not only informs our knowledge about the universe but also lays the groundwork for future discoveries in astrophysics, potentially altering our view of black holes, neutron stars, and the cosmos as a whole. As researchers continue to explore these concepts, we may find answers to some of the most significant questions about the fate of gravity and the evolution of cosmic structures.

Original Source

Title: Non-Singular Gravitational Collapse through Modified Heisenberg Algebra

Abstract: We study the effects of cut-off physics, in the form of a modified algebra inspired by Polymer Quantum Mechanics and by the Generalized Uncertainty Principle representation, on the collapse of a spherical dust cloud. We analyze both the Newtonian formulation, originally developed by Hunter, and the general relativistic formulation, that is the Oppenheimer-Snyder model; in both frameworks we find that the collapse is stabilized to an asymptotically static state above the horizon, and the singularity is removed. In the Newtonian case, by requiring the Newtonian approximation to be valid, we find lower bounds of the order of unity (in Planck units) for the deformation parameter of the modified algebra. We then study the behaviour of small perturbations on the non-singular collapsing backgrounds, and find that for certain range of the parameters (the polytropic index for the Newtonian case and the sound velocity in the relativistic setting) the collapse is stable to perturbations of all scales, and the non-singular super-Schwarzschild configurations have physical meaning.

Authors: Gabriele Barca, Giovanni Montani

Last Update: 2024-03-13 00:00:00

Language: English

Source URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.09767

Source PDF: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2309.09767

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Changes: This summary was created with assistance from AI and may have inaccuracies. For accurate information, please refer to the original source documents linked here.

Thank you to arxiv for use of its open access interoperability.

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