Study of anisotropic stellar structures in f(R,φ,χ) theory

This manuscript examines how effective matter variables influence the geometry of compact stellar objects with anisotropic matter configuration in modified $f(R,\phi ,\chi )$ gravity, where $R$ represents the Ricci scalar, $\phi$ is the scalar field and $\chi$ is a kinetic term depending on the scalar field. The unknown constants in the metric potentials are determined by the smooth matching of an interior region with the exterior spacetime. We then check the viability of some selected stars through various physical quantities, i.e., effective matter contents, anisotropy and energy constraints. We also examine the equilibrium and stable states through the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation and sound speed/adiabatic index, respectively. This comprehensive analysis ensures that viable and stable compact stars exist in this modified theory as all the necessary conditions are satisfied.