Physical properties and stability analysis of Morris–Thorne wormholes in f(R,T) gravity

This work investigates the physical properties of static and spherically symmetric traversable wormholes in the context of modified [Formula: see text] gravity, using the model [Formula: see text]. The energy conditions are analyzed, and we find a throat region with positive energy density but negative radial NEC ([Formula: see text]). This implies that the throat is supported by radial tension arising from exotic stress. However, the fact that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] while the DEC violated shows that the exoticity is directional and can largely be attributed to the curvature–matter coupling and the higher-order curvature term. In particular, [Formula: see text] (with [Formula: see text]) contributes positive effective energy density and helps satisfy transverse conditions, whereas a sufficient negative [Formula: see text] supplies the radial tension necessary to sustain the throat. The Volume Integral Quantifier (VIQ) is slightly negative near the throat [Formula: see text] but positive for [Formula: see text], indicating that there is no large or extended reservoir of exoticity making this wormhole solution more physically acceptable than ones with large or extended NEC violation. Further, stability analysis with the modified TOV equation indicates that it is stable in equilibrium under gravitational, hydrostatic, and anisotropic pressures. These findings indicate that a traversable wormhole with exotic matter that violates the NEC may be possible, and thus, is consistent with physically plausible conditions. Further, a shape-function analysis shows that acceptable traversable wormhole geometries are supported in the anisotropic case, while the isotropic case does not satisfy the required flare-out and asymptotic-flatness conditions.