Various Modifications to Debye-H\"uckel Interactions in Solar Equations of State

TL;DR

This paper explores modifications to the Debye-Hückel interactions in solar equations of state, examining mechanisms that prevent the Coulomb term from causing implosion in high-density plasmas.

Contribution

It investigates three mechanisms, including higher order Coulomb terms and quantum diffraction, to improve the convergence of plasma models in stellar conditions.

Findings

Higher order Coulomb terms improve model stability

Quantum diffraction effects contribute to convergence

Mechanisms prevent plasma implosion at high densities

Abstract

The first order effect of Coulomb forces between the charged particles of a plasma is the well-known Debye-H\"uckel-term. It is a negative contribution to the pressure and energy of the gas, that at high densities will overwhelm the ideal gas contributions and make the gas implode into a black hole. Nature obviously constrains this term, avoiding this fate, but how? We investigate three different mechanisms and their effects on the equation of state and on solar models, and the physical justifications for each of them. We conclude that higher order Coulomb terms in combination with quantum diffraction of electrons, provide the needed convergence.