Abstract

Circularly symmetric charged perfect-fluid distributions are studied in three-dimensional gravity with a cosmological constant. We derive the Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkoff equation of hydroelectrostatic equilibrium, and we discuss its applicability. A class of charged fluid distributions for p=-ρ is considered. In this case, a particular model is obtained which represents a charged distribution whose mass is entirely of electromagnetic origin. © 2006 The American Physical Society.