Nested spheroidal figures of equilibrium − IV. On heterogeneous configurations

ABSTRACT The theory of nested figures of equilibrium, expanded in Papers I and II, is investigated in the limit where the number of layers of the rotating body is infinite, enabling to reach full heterogeneity. In the asymptotic process, the discrete set of equations becomes a differential equation for the rotation rate. In the special case of rigid rotation (from centre to surface), we are led to an integro-differential equation (IDE) linking the ellipticity of isopycnic surfaces to the equatorial mass-density profile. In contrast with most studies, these equations are not restricted to small flattenings, but are valid for fast rotators as well. We use numerical solutions obtained from the self-consistent-field method to validate this approach. At small ellipticities (slow rotation), we fully recover Clairaut’s equation. Comparisons with Chandrasekhar’s perturbative approach and with Roberts’ work based on virial equations are successful. We derive a criterion to characterize the transition from slow to fast rotators. The treatment of heterogeneous structures containing mass-density jumps is proposed through a modified IDE.