Maximum mass of singularity-free anisotropic compact stars in Rastall theory of gravity

Abstract: The current model explores spherically symmetric anisotropic compact stars within the Rastall theory of gravity. By employing the Krori and Barua metric ansatz (K.D. Krori and J. Barua, J. Phys. A: Math. Gen. 8 (1975) 508), we derive a set of tractable, singularity-free relativistic solutions to the Einstein field equations. Using a best-fit equation for the numerical solution of the TOV equation, we determine the maximum mass and corresponding radius in this model. Our findings reveal that an increase in the Rastall parameter $(\xi)$ leads to a higher maximum mass, indicating a stiffer nature of the equation of state. For $\xi$ values ranging from 0.01 to 0.09, we calculate the maximum mass to be between $2.24M_{\odot}$ and $2.36M_{\odot}$, with corresponding radii from 9.48 to 10.15 km. Furthermore, our model's predictions for the radii of recently observed pulsars are consistent with observational data. The model satisfies essential criteria for causality, energy conditions, and stability, confirming its viability and physical acceptability as a stellar structure.