Finite-time Future Singularities Research Articles

Cosmic anisotropic doomsday in Bianchi type I universes

In this paper we study finite time future singularities in anisotropic Bianchi type I models. It is shown that there exist future singularities similar to Big Rip ones (which appear in the framework of phantom Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmologies). Specifically, in an ellipsoidal anisotropic scenario or in a fully anisotropic scenario, the three directional and average scale factors may diverge at a finite future time, together with energy densities and anisotropic pressures. We call these singularities “Anisotropic Big Rip Singularities.” We show that there also exist Bianchi type I models filled with matter, where one or two directional scale factors may diverge. Another type of future anisotropic singularities is shown to be present in vacuum cosmologies, i.e., Kasner spacetimes. These singularities are induced by the shear scalar, which also blows up at a finite time. We call such a singularity “Vacuum Rip.” In this case one directional scale factor blows up, while the other two and average scale factors tend to zero.

Quantitative analysis of singular inflation with scalar-tensor and modified gravity

We provide a detailed quantitative description of singular inflation. Its close analogy with finite-time future singularity which is associated to dark energy era is described. Calling and classifying the singularities of such inflation as finite-time cosmological singularities we investigate their occurrence, with special emphasis on the Type IV singularity. The study is performed in the context of a general non-canonical scalar-tensor theory. In addition, the impact of finite time singularities on the slow-roll parameters is also investigated. Particularly, we study three cases, in which the singularity occurs during the inflationary era, at the end, and also we study the case that the singularity occurs much more later than inflation ends. Using the obtained slow-roll parameters, for each case, we calculate explicitly the spectral index of primordial curvature perturbations $n_s$, the associated running of the spectral index $a_s$ and of the scalar-to-tensor ratio $r$ and compare the resulting values to the Planck and BICEP2 data. As we demonstrate, in some cases corresponding to the Type IV singularity, there might be the possibility of agreement with the observational data, when the singularity occurs at the end, or after inflation. However, absolute concordance of all observational indices is not achieved. On the contrary, if the singularity occurs during the inflationary era, this is catastrophic for the theory, since the observational indices become divergent. We also show how a Type IV singularity may be consistently accommodated in the Universe's late time evolution.

Cosmological dynamics of gravitating hadron matter

Anisotropic cosmologies are studied in the case where the matter source is given by the Skyrme model which is an effective description of low energy QCD. The dynamical evolution of the Kantowski-Sachs and Bianchi-I universes are analyzed in depth. In both situations in order for solutions to exist and at the same time to avoid finite time future singularities, bounds on the value of the cosmological constant and on the values of the Skyrme couplings must be set. The upper bound on the cosmological constant, which depends also on the initial conditions is closely related to the fact that the baryons appear below 1 GeV. The upper bound on the cosmological constant is actually 72 orders of magnitudes lower than the standard estimations from quantum field theory. The lower bound on the cosmological constant and the bounds on the Skyrme couplings are due to the peculiar combination of nonlinear terms in the Skyrme model. It is worth to point out that bounds on the Skyrme couplings occur in similar fashion both for the Kantowski-Sachs and for the Bianchi-I models which are topologically completely different. Our results suggest that this behavior is intrinsic to the coupling of the Skyrme field to gravity rather than on a specific cosmological model.

Little Rip, ΛCDM and singular dark energy cosmology from Born–Infeld-[formula omitted] gravity

We study late-time cosmic accelerating dynamics from Born–Infeld-f(R) gravity in a simplified conformal approach. We find that a variety of cosmic effects such as Little Rip, ΛCDM universe and dark energy cosmology with finite-time future singularities may occur. Unlike the convenient Born–Infeld gravity where in the absence of matter only de Sitter expansion may emerge, apparently any FRW cosmology maybe reconstructed from this conformal version of the Born–Infeld-f(R) theory. Despite the fact that the explicit form of f(R) is fixed by the conformal ansatz, the relation between the two metrics in this approach may be changed so as to bring out any desired FRW cosmology.

SOME ASPECTS OF GENERALIZED MODIFIED GRAVITY MODELS

In this paper, we review some general aspects of modified gravity theories, investigating mathematical and physical properties and, more specifically, the feature of viable and realistic models able to reproduce the dark energy (DE) epoch and the early-time inflation. We will discuss the black hole (BH) solutions in generalized theories of gravity: it is of fundamental interest to understand how properties and laws of BHs in General Relativity (GR) can be addressed in the framework of modified theories. In particular, we will discuss the energy issue and the possibility to derive the First Law of thermodynamics from the field equations. Then, in the analysis of cosmological solutions, we will pay particular attention to the occurrence of finite-time future singularities and to the possibility to avoid them in [Formula: see text]-gravity. Furthermore, realistic models of F(R)-gravity will be analyzed in detail. A general feature occurring in matter era will be shown, namely, the high derivatives of Hubble parameter may be influenced by the high frequency oscillation of the DE and some correction term may be required in order to stabilize the theory at high redshift. The inflationary scenario is also carefully analyzed and a unified description of the universe is evolved. In the final part of the work, we will look at the last developments in modified gravity, namely, we will investigate cosmological and BH solutions in a covariant field theory of gravity and we will introduce the extended "teleparallel" F(T)-gravity theories. A nice application to the dark matter (DM) problem will be presented.

Phantom evolving wormholes with big rip singularities

We investigate a family of inhomogeneous and anisotropic gravitational fields exhibiting a future singularity at a finite value of the proper time. The studied spherically symmetric spacetimes are asymptotically Friedmann-Robertson-Walker at spatial infinity and describe wormhole configurations filled with two matter components: one inhomogeneous and anisotropic fluid and another isotropic and homogeneously distributed fluid, characterized by the supernegative equation of state $\ensuremath{\omega}=p/\ensuremath{\rho}<\ensuremath{-}1$. In previously constructed wormholes, the notion of the phantom energy was used in a more extended sense than in cosmology, where the phantom energy is considered a homogeneously distributed fluid. Specifically, for some static wormhole geometries the phantom matter was considered as an inhomogeneous and anisotropic fluid, with radial and lateral pressures satisfying the relations ${p}_{r}/\ensuremath{\rho}<\ensuremath{-}1$ and ${p}_{l}\ensuremath{\ne}{p}_{r}$, respectively. In this paper we construct phantom evolving wormhole models filled with an isotropic and homogeneous component, described by a barotropic or viscous phantom energy, and ending in a big rip singularity. In two of considered cases the equation of state parameter is constrained to be less than $\ensuremath{-}1$, while in the third model the finite-time future singularity may occur for $\ensuremath{\omega}<\ensuremath{-}1$, as well as for $\ensuremath{-}1<\ensuremath{\omega}\ensuremath{\le}1$.

Finite-time future singularity models in f(T) gravity and the effects of viscosity

We investigate models of future finite-time singularities in f(T) theory, where T is the torsion scalar. The algebraic function f(T) is the teleparallel term, T, plus an arbitrary function, g(T). A suitable expression for the Hubble parameter is assumed and constraints are imposed to provide an expanding universe. Two parameters, β and Hs, that appear in the Hubble parameter are relevant in specifying the types of singularities. Differential equations of g(T) are established and solved, leading to algebraic f(T) models for each type of future finite-time singularity. Moreover, we take into account the viscosity in the fluid and discuss three interesting cases: constant viscosity, viscosity proportional to [Formula: see text], and the general one where the viscosity is proportional to (−T)n/2, where n is a natural number. We see that for the first and second cases, in general, the singularities are robust against the viscous fluid, while for the general case, the Big Rip and the Big Freeze can be avoided from the effects of the viscosity for some values of n.

Teleparallel dark energy with purely non-minimal coupling to gravity

We propose the simplest model of teleparallel dark energy with purely a non-minimal coupling to gravity but no self-potential, a single model possessing various interesting features: simplicity, self-potential-free, the guaranteed late-time cosmic acceleration driven by the non-minimal coupling to gravity, tracker behavior of the dark energy equation of state at earlier times, a crossing of the phantom divide at a late time, and the existence of a finite-time future singularity. We find the analytic solutions of the dark-energy scalar field respectively in the radiation, matter, and dark energy dominated eras, thereby revealing the above features. We further illustrate possible cosmic evolution patterns and present the observational constraint of this model obtained by numerical analysis and data fitting.

From Big to Little Rip in modified F(R,G) gravity

We discuss the cosmological reconstruction in modified Gauss-Bonnet (GB) gravity. It is demonstrated that the modified GB gravity may describe the most interesting features of late-time cosmology. We derive explicit form of effective phantom cosmological models ending by the finite-time future singularity (Big Rip) and without singularities in the future (Little Rip).

Dark energy cosmology: the equivalent description via different theoretical models and cosmography tests

We review different dark energy cosmologies. In particular, we present the ΛCDM cosmology, Little Rip and Pseudo-Rip universes, the phantom and quintessence cosmologies with Type I, II, III and IV finite-time future singularities and non-singular dark energy universes. In the first part, we explain the ΛCDM model and well-established observational tests which constrain the current cosmic acceleration. After that, we investigate the dark fluid universe where a fluid has quite general equation of state (EoS) [including inhomogeneous or imperfect EoS]. All the above dark energy cosmologies for different fluids are explicitly realized, and their properties are also explored. It is shown that all the above dark energy universes may mimic the ΛCDM model currently, consistent with the recent observational data. Furthermore, special attention is paid to the equivalence of different dark energy models. We consider single and multiple scalar field theories, tachyon scalar theory and holographic dark energy as models for current acceleration with the features of quintessence/phantom cosmology, and demonstrate their equivalence to the corresponding fluid descriptions. In the second part, we study another equivalent class of dark energy models which includes F(R) gravity as well as F(R) Hořava-Lifshitz gravity and the teleparallel f(T) gravity. The cosmology of such models representing the ΛCDM-like universe or the accelerating expansion with the quintessence/phantom nature is described. Finally, we approach the problem of testing dark energy and alternative gravity models to general relativity by cosmography. We show that degeneration among parameters can be removed by accurate data analysis of large data samples and also present the examples.

Scalar dark energy models mimicking ΛCDM with arbitrary future evolution

Dark energy models with various scenarios of evolution are considered from the viewpoint of the formalism for the equation of state. It is shown that these models are compatible with current astronomical data. Some of the models presented here evolve arbitrarily close to ΛCDM up to the present, but diverge in the future into a number of different possible asymptotic states, including asymptotic de Sitter (pseudo-rip) evolution, little rips with disintegration of bound structures, and various forms of finite-time future singularities. Therefore it is impossible from observational data to determine whether the universe will end in a future singularity or not. We demonstrate that the models under consideration are stable for a long period of time (billions of years) before entering a Little Rip/Pseudo-Rip induced dissolution of bound structures or before entering a soft finite-time future singularity. Finally, the physical consequences of Little Rip, Types II, III and Big Crush singularities are briefly compared.

Reconstruction off(T)gravity: Rip cosmology, finite-time future singularities, and thermodynamics

We demonstrate that there appear finite-time future singularities in $f(T)$ gravity with $T$ being the torsion scalar. We reconstruct a model of $f(T)$ gravity with realizing the finite-time future singularities. In addition, it is explicitly shown that a power-law-type correction term ${T}^{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ ($\ensuremath{\beta}>1$) such as a ${T}^{2}$ term can remove the finite-time future singularities in $f(T)$ gravity. Moreover, we study $f(T)$ models with realizing inflation in the early universe, the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$ model, little rip cosmology and pseudo-rip cosmology. It is demonstrated that the disintegration of bound structures for little rip and pseudo-rip cosmologies occurs in the same way as in gravity with corresponding dark energy fluid. We also discuss that the time-dependent matter instability in the star collapse can occur in $f(T)$ gravity. Furthermore, we explore thermodynamics in $f(T)$ gravity and illustrate that the second law of thermodynamics can be satisfied around the finite-time future singularities for the universe with the temperature inside the horizon being the same as that of the apparent horizon.

Screening of cosmological constant for de Sitter Universe in non-local gravity, phantom-divide crossing and finite-time future singularities

We investigate de Sitter solutions in non-local gravity as well as in non-local gravity with Lagrange constraint multiplier. We examine a condition to avoid a ghost and discuss a screening scenario for a cosmological constant in de Sitter solutions. Furthermore, we explicitly demonstrate that three types of the finite-time future singularities can occur in non-local gravity and explore their properties. In addition, we evaluate the effective equation of state for the universe and show that the late-time accelerating universe may be effectively the quintessence, cosmological constant or phantom-like phases. In particular, it is found that there is a case in which a crossing of the phantom divide from the non-phantom (quintessence) phase to the phantom one can be realized when a finite-time future singularity occurs. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the addition of an $R^2$ term can cure the finite-time future singularities in non-local gravity. It is also suggested that in the framework of non-local gravity, adding an $R^2$ term leads to possible unification of the early-time inflation with the late-time cosmic acceleration.

Phantom cosmology without Big Rip singularity

We construct phantom energy models with the equation of state parameter w which is less than −1, w<−1, but finite-time future singularity does not occur. Such models can be divided into two classes: (i) energy density increases with time (“phantom energy” without “Big Rip” singularity) and (ii) energy density tends to constant value with time (“cosmological constant” with asymptotically de Sitter evolution). The disintegration of bound structure is confirmed in Little Rip cosmology. Surprisingly, we find that such disintegration (on example of Sun–Earth system) may occur even in asymptotically de Sitter phantom universe consistent with observational data. We also demonstrate that non-singular phantom models admit wormhole solutions as well as possibility of Big Trip via wormholes.

Viscous little rip cosmology

Dark energy of phantom or quintessence nature with an equation of state parameter $w$ almost equal to $\ensuremath{-}1$ often leads the universe evolution to a finite-time future singularity. An elegant solution to this problem has been recently proposed [P. H. Frampton, K. J. Ludwick, and R. J. Scherrer, Phys. Rev. D 84, 063003 (2011).] under the form of the so-called little rip cosmology, which appears to be a realistic alternative to the $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\mathrm{CDM}$ model. A viscous little rip cosmology is here proposed. Whereas generically bulk viscosity tends to promote the big rip, we find that there are a number of situations where this is not the case and where the formalism nicely adjusts itself to the little rip scenario. We prove, in particular, that a viscous fluid (or, equivalently, one with an inhomogeneous [imperfect] equation of state) is perfectly able to produce a little rip cosmology as a purely viscosity effect. The possibility of its induction as a combined result of viscosity and a general (powerlike) equation of state is also investigated in detail. To finish, a physical, inertial force interpretation of the dissolution of bound structures in the little rip cosmology is presented.

F(G) modified gravity and the energy conditions

Motivated by string/M-theory predictions that scalar field couplings with the Gauss-Bonnet invariant, G, are essential in the appearance of non-singular early time cosmologies, we discuss the viability of an interesting alternative gravitational theory, namely, modified Gauss-Bonnet gravity, and present the viability bounds arising from the energy conditions. In particular, we consider a specific realistic form of f(G) analyzed in the literature that accounts for the late-time cosmic acceleration and that has been found to cure the finite-time future singularities present in the dark energy models, and further examine the respective viability of the specific f(G) model imposed by the weak energy condition.

Energy conditions in modified Gauss-Bonnet gravity

In considering alternative higher-order gravity theories, one is liable to be motivated in pursuing models consistent and inspired by several candidates of a fundamental theory of quantum gravity. Indeed, motivations from string/M-theory predict that scalar field couplings with the Gauss-Bonnet invariant, G, are important in the appearance of non-singular early time cosmologies. In this work, we discuss the viability of an interesting alternative gravitational theory, namely, modified Gauss-Bonnet gravity or f(G) gravity. We consider specific realistic forms of f(G) analyzed in the literature that account for the late-time cosmic acceleration and that have been found to cure the finite-time future singularities present in the dark energy models. We present the general inequalities imposed by the energy conditions and use the recent estimated values of the Hubble, deceleration, jerk and snap parameters to examine the viability of the above-mentioned forms of f(G) imposed by the weak energy condition.

Nonsingular exponential gravity: A simple theory for early- and late-time accelerated expansion

A theory of exponential modified gravity which explains both early-time inflation and late-time acceleration, in a unified way, is proposed. The theory successfully passes the local tests and fulfills the cosmological bounds and, remarkably, the corresponding inflationary era is proven to be unstable. Numerical investigation of its late-time evolution leads to the conclusion that the corresponding dark energy epoch is not distinguishable from the one for the $\Lambda$CDM model. Several versions of this exponential gravity, sharing similar properties, are formulated. It is also shown that this theory is non-singular, being protected against the formation of finite-time future singularities. As a result, the corresponding future universe evolution asymptotically tends, in a smooth way, to de Sitter space, which turns out to be the final attractor of the system.

Non-Singular Modified Gravity Unifying Inflation with Late-Time Acceleration and Universality of Viscous Ratio Bound in $F(R)$ Theory

The review of basic cosmological properties of four-dimensional F(R)-gravity, including FRW equations of motion and its accelerating solutions, generalized fluid and scalar-tensor representation of the theory is done. Cosmological reconstruction equation is written and conditions for stability of cosmological solution are discussed. The overview of realistic F(R)-models unifying inflation with dark energy epoch is made. The avoidance of finite-time future singularities in such theories via the introduction of R^2-term is studied. New realistic non-singular F(R)-gravity unifying early-time inflation with late-time acceleration is presented. The exit from inflationary era in such model may be caused by the gravitational scenario. It is demonstrated that five-dimensional F(R)-gravity considered as non-perturbative stringy effective action leads to universal relation for viscous bound ratio.

Unifying inflation with dark energy in modified F(R) Hořava–Lifshitz gravity

We study FRW cosmology for a non-linear modified F(R) Hořava–Lifshitz gravity which has a viable convenient counterpart. A unified description of early-time inflation and late-time acceleration is possible in this theory, but the cosmological dynamic details are generically different from the ones of the convenient viable F(R) model. Remarkably, for some specific choice of parameters they do coincide. The emergence of finite-time future singularities is investigated in detail. It is shown that these singularities can be cured by adding an extra, higher-derivative term, which turns out to be qualitatively different when compared with the corresponding one of the convenient F(R) theory.