Investigation of slowly rotating anisotropic compact stellar structures in Durgapal–Fuloria framework

Abstract We explore the structure and dynamics of compact stellar structures by assuming anisotropic fluid solutions within the framework of general relativity. Assuming that the interior geometry of compact stellar structures follows the Durgapal–Fuloria spacetime, we obtain exact analytic solutions of Einstein’s field equations under physically consistent boundary conditions. The resulting models satisfy all essential physical requirements, including regularity at the center, positive and decreasing pressure and density, energy and causality conditions, and dynamical stability criterion. To test the viability of our model, we examine ten well-known compact stellar structure candidates-LMC X-4, SMC X-1, Cen X-3, Vela X-1, 4U 1608-52, 4U 1820-30, SAX J1808.4-3658, Her X-1, PSR J1614-2230, and PSR J1903+327-assuming their interiors are described by the Durgapal-Fuloria geometry. Furthermore, we extending the analysis to the slow rotation regime, we incorporate first-order rotational effects to compute the moment of inertia and investigate its dependence on stellar mass and radii. The results confirm that the Durgapal-Fuloria spacetime provides physically acceptable and stable descriptions for realistic anisotropic compact stellar structures, consistent with observed systems.