Model-independent description of intermediate-range forces in static spherical bodies

Abstract

Recent experimental and theoretical investigations suggest the existence of fundamental intermediate-range forces. So far, the behaviour of such forces, in static spherical bodies, has been discussed using particular models, where the matter distribution is restricted to have some specific form. In this work we want to extend the discussion to an arbitrary matter distribution. With this aim, we solve the phenomenological equations that describe intermediate-range forces by quadratures. From the analysis of the physical properties of the solution, we show in detail how the shape of the matter distribution, as well as the range of the field, can influence the magnitude of intermediate-range forces. Our model-independent description allows us to generalize a number of particular results found previously.