Transport properties of dense matter

Abstract

Using theoretical techniques that have proven useful in solid-state physics, Fermi-liquid theory, and the theory of liquid metals, the electron contribution to the electrical conductivity, the thermal conductivity, and the viscosity of neutron-star matter in the absence of magnetic fields is calculated for densities less than 2 by 10 to the 14th power g/cu cm (regions where there is solid matter). The results are also applicable to high-density white-dwarf matter. Variational solutions of the transport equations are used except where exact solutions exist. Transport by electrons of any energy both in the presence of a lattice and without the lattice present are considered. At temperatures very much below the Debye temperature of the lattice, an approximate treatment of the electron-phonon interaction is conducted; for temperatures above the melting temperatures of the lattice, ionic correlations are included. Relativistic electron-electron scattering is considered, as is electron-impurity and electron-neutron scattering. This work complements previous investigations of transport properties and extends the density regions over which we know the transport properties of dense matter.