Use the source's Gaussian units and neglect the displacement current, as in nonrelativistic magnetohydrodynamics. Write for the pressure anisotropy. The pressure tensor is , so its force density is
Ampère's law and the solenoidal magnetic-field constraint give the Lorentz force decomposition
Adding these two force densities and using yields
The first term is the gradient of the modified magnetohydrodynamic total pressure; the second is the anisotropic Maxwell stress tensor contribution together with the directional pressure force. Their effective coefficient is the pressure-anisotropy-modified magnetic tension, . At fixed magnetic field, positive pressure anisotropy increases resistance to bending, while negative pressure anisotropy reduces it. When becomes negative, bending experiences an amplifying force rather than a restoring force. Gradients of can also drive motion, so the curvature interpretation refers specifically to the bending contribution.
A thin spherical shell has outward pressure force and inward gravitational force . Hydrostatic equilibrium requires
A uniform-density solar model gives , , and after integration from to zero,
Thus the appropriate orders of magnitude are – and . The uniform-density approximation underestimates the actual central pressure because the Sun is centrally concentrated. Radiation pressure is neglected in applying the ideal gas law.
A thin spherical shell has outward pressure force and inward gravitational force . Hydrostatic equilibrium requires
A uniform-density solar model gives , , and after integration from to zero,
Thus the appropriate orders of magnitude are – and . The uniform-density approximation underestimates the actual central pressure because the Sun is centrally concentrated. Radiation pressure is neglected in applying the ideal gas law.
For a thin spherical shell, outward pressure force is and inward weight is . Balance gives . This assumes approximately spherical, slowly evolving structure without important rotational or magnetic support.