VARIABLE STARS
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Since T x and dQ are known correct to the first power of the amplitude,
we can now find W correct to the square of the amplitude.
We shall take the values at = 3 as representative of the average
conditions in a star. Less than 20 per cent, of the mass is outside = 3;
but in view of the rapidly increasing dissipation per unit mass in the outer
parts, this seems a fair representation. Denoting by [fj,. the central
amplitude of , so that roughly
By a rough quadrature the mean value of this at time of greatest velocity
is found to be about 2 »2 m 2
■f±n lx LfelJe 5
so that the whole mechanical energy of pulsation of the star is
The following numerical results are obtained for 8 Cephei*. We have
e - LjM = 160 ergs per gm. per sec.
Negative potential energy, Q. = 8-65.10 14 ergs per gm.
* The values of a and j8 on which (134-3) depends only roughly fit 8 Cephei;
but the formula is only intended to give the order of magnitude; probably the most
[£i]o = 0-1SR/R,
we have by (133-2) at = 3
-¡ft = 2-2e [£j] c cos nt
T x = (/ - 1) Pl = - 0-355 x 3-54 [^] c cos nt,
(134-25),
so that T x = - l-38e [f x ] c 2 (1 + cos 2 nt).
Hence W (per gram per sec.) is
W = l-38 e &] c 2
and the rate of dissipation of energy by the whole star is
(134-3),
1-38 &VL
The kinetic energy of the pulsation per gram is
(134-4).
By (134-4) and (134-5) the time of decay is
(134-5).
(134-6).
KiL - -05.
M = 1-75.10 34 gm.
L = 2-80.10 36 ergs per sec.
serious inaccuracy is the use of a mean value for e.