Relativistic neutron stars beyond general relativity

Project Description:

The equations describing a static, spherically symmetric neutron star in general relativity are well known (the TOV equations) and can be readily solved numerically using standard ODE methods. This project explores how neutron-star structure changes in alternative theories of gravity, focusing on metric $f(R)$ gravity as a concrete example. One motivation is that $f(R)$ models can introduce genuinely strong-field effects (while reducing to GR in the appropriate limit), making neutron stars a useful laboratory for testing gravity beyond GR. More details in attachment.

Research Area:

Astrophysics

Project Level:

Honours

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(UCT)

Special Requirements:

Familiarity with programming Background in General relativity