Surface-Energy Tensors

Abstract

In this paper the surface-energy tensors are defined and general expressions for their first variations are obtained. These quantities are appropriate for an investigation of the equilibrium and the stability of a charged liquid drop (held together by a constant surface tension) using the method of the tensor virial, which was developed by Chandrasekhar and Lebovitz for the theory of self-gravitating masses. The definitions are shown to be consistent with the conservation laws.