The covariant Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations I: The isotropic case

Abstract: We construct a covariant version of the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equations in the case of isotropic sources. The new equations make evident the mathematical problems in the determination of interior solutions of relativistic stellar objects. Using a reconstruction algorithm we find two physically interesting generalisations of previously known stellar interior solutions. The variables that we use also allow an easier formulation of known generating theorems for solutions associated to relativistic stellar objects.