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Use the local momentum equation in the current volume:Symmetry of the Cauchy stress tensor and the product rule giveApply the divergence theorem and use $t_j={\sigma }_{jk}{n}_k$. The mean stress and strain boundary identities follow:For infinitesimal strain tensor, $e_{ij}=(u_{i,j}+u_{j,i})/2$, and a second application of the divergence theorem gives

To first order, evaluate self-gravity in the undeformed uniform sphere. The shell theorem says that only the enclosed mass $M(r)=4\pi \rho r^3/3$ contributes to the inward field. ConsequentlyThe field vanishes at the centre and increases linearly to its surface value.

The requested radius change concerns the final traction-free static elastic equilibrium, not the acceleration immediately after gravity is switched on. In equilibrium the boundary traction and acceleration vanish. Spherical symmetry givesThe homogeneous linear elasticity law commutes with volume averaging:Thus $\overline{e}=e_{0}I$ with $e_0=-\rho ga/(15\kappa )$. This conclusion is about the mean strain, not a claim that the local strain is uniform.

Let the boundary displacement be $u(a)=u_{a}n$. Since ${\int }_S{n}_i{n}_{j}dS=(4\pi a^2/3){\delta }_{ij}$, the boundary identity gives $\overline{e}=(u_a/a)I$. Therefore the equilibrium contraction of a self-gravitating elastic sphere isThe shear modulus cancels because the mean deformation is purely volumetric.

The full radial field provides a useful check without assuming uniform deformation. For $u=f(r)e_r$, momentum balance isRegularity at the centre gives $f=Ar+B{r}^3$, withfrom ${\sigma }_{rr}(a)=0$. Substitution reproduces $f(a)=-\rho g{a}^2/(15\kappa )$. During the transient, the acceleration term in the mean-stress identity remains; gravitational feedback from the small density and shape changes is higher order in the equilibrium calculation.