Emden equation

Emden equation

[′em·dən i‚kwā·zhən] (astrophysics) An equation for stellar structure which arises in a model based on the assumption that the star is a gaseous sphere in adiabatic equilibrium, in which the pressure is proportional to ργ, where ρ is the density and γ is a constant; the equation is d 2 y/dx 2+ (2/ x) dy/dx + y n =0, where n =1/(γ - 1), x is proportional to the distance from the center of the sphere, and y is proportional to ρ1/ n . Also known as Lane-Emden equation.