Stellar Winds

Abstract

We present relativistic analytic solutions for the model stellar-wind problem posed by Weber and Davis. These solutions are consistent with the hypothesis of minimum torque proposed by Michel, but do not require it as an additional assumption. The equation of radial momentum has three critical points which occur where the radial flow velocity is equal to the propagation speed of infinitesimal dis- turbances. A unique continuous solution is determined by the requirement that it pass through all these critical points.