Stellar rotation ($\Omega (r,\theta )$)

The spin of a star about its axis, which can be solid-body rotation or vary through the interior. Angular momentum transport and rotational mixing can change the stellar composition profile and available fuel. An observed surface rotation rate does not determine the entire interior profile.

In a steady axisymmetric star, a torque due to Reynolds stress, Maxwell stress tensor or viscosity must balance advection of specific angular momentum by stellar meridional circulation. Writing the nonadvective angular momentum transport flux as ${\mathbf{F}}_J$ gives the displayed balance. Thus stresses that maintain differential rotation also drive a meridional response. The stellar thermal-wind balance supplies a separate leading force constraint, not a replacement for this torque equation.

Taking the curl of axisymmetric hydrostatic equilibrium with centrifugal acceleration gives $\varpi {\partial }_z{\Omega }^2=(\nabla p\times \nabla \rho {)}_{\varphi }/{\rho }^2$. For an approximately spherical ideal gas with constant composition, use $\nabla \rho =\nabla p/c_s^2-\rho \nabla S/c_p$ to obtain the displayed relation. Latitudinal entropy differences can support noncylindrical differential rotation. A barotropic fluid gives cylindrical rotation in this leading balance; the relation does not determine the transport stresses or circulation rate.