Stability analysis of compact stellar configuration using exponential f ( R , T ) model

Abstract In this paper, we study isotropic as well as anisotropic polytropic stellar configurations within the framework of exponential f (R, T ) gravity, defined as f (R, T ) = R + γe χT . This f (R, T ) model introduces a non-minimal coupling between matter and geometry through an exponential dependence on the trace of the energy-momentum tensor. The modified field equations, together with the hydrostatic equilibrium and Lane-Emden equations, are derived for two different polytropic equations of state. The resulting system is solved numerically, and the behavior of matter variables, energy conditions, and stability criteria is analyzed graphically for different model parameters and for polytropic indices n = 1 and n = 1.5. The role of anisotropy in determining the structural properties of the compact configurations is also emphasized. It is found that anisotropy significantly impacts the compactness, with the surface compactness decreasing as the anisotropy parameter increases. The results indicate that the proposed model remain physically viable and stable, leading to consistent stellar configurations within the exponential f (R, T ) gravity framework.