CAN f(R) GRAVITY MIMIC GENERAL RELATIVITY?

Abstract

We discuss the stability of the general-relativity (GR) limit in modified theories of gravity, particularly the f(R) theory. The problem of approximating the higher-order differential equations in modified gravity with the Einstein equations (2nd-order differential equations) in GR is elaborated. We demonstrate this problem with a heuristic example involving a simple ordinary differential equation. With this example we further present the iteration method that may serve as a better approximation for solving the equation, meanwhile providing a criterion for assessing the validity of the approximation. We then discuss our previous numerical analyses of the early-time evolution of the cosmological perturbations in f(R) gravity, following the similar ideas demonstrated by the heuristic example. The results of the analyses indicated the possible instability of the GR limit that might make the GR approximation inaccurate in describing the evolution of the cosmological perturbations in the long run.