Dynamics of f(R) gravity models and asymmetry of time

Abstract

We solve the field equations of modified gravity for [Formula: see text] model in metric formalism. Further, we obtain the fixed points of the dynamical system in phase-space analysis of [Formula: see text] models, both with and without the effects of radiation. The stability of these points is studied against the perturbations in a smooth spatial background by applying the conditions on the eigenvalues of the matrix obtained in the linearized first-order differential equations. Following this, these fixed points are used for analyzing the dynamics of the system during the radiation, matter and acceleration-dominated phases of the universe. Certain linear and quadratic forms of [Formula: see text] are determined from the geometrical and physical considerations and the behavior of the scale factor is found for those forms. Further, we also determine the Hubble parameter [Formula: see text], the Ricci scalar [Formula: see text] and the scale factor [Formula: see text] for these cosmic phases. We show the emergence of an asymmetry of time from the dynamics of the scalar field exclusively owing to the [Formula: see text] gravity in the Einstein frame that may lead to an arrow of time at a classical level.