Relativistic kinetic theory is used in conjunction with the theory of relativistic surface layers in order to study relativistic disks of matter. After a brief general discussion, attention is restricted to the case of counter-rotating disks. The general surface stress-energy tensors of such disks are exhibited and a distribution function which generates these stress-energy tensors is deduced. This is followed by a discussion of stability, and a criteria for the stability of particle orbits is derived. Finally, the question of central red shift is considered. It is shown that all counter-rotating disks without singularities at the rim will have a finite central red shift, but the question of the existence of a maximum central red shift remains open.

• Received 27 August 1971

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.5.2413