Non-minimal Curvature-matter Coupling Research Articles

Observational constraints on non-minimally coupled curvature–matter models of gravity from the analysis of Pantheon data

We considered non-minimally coupled curvature–matter models of gravity in a Friedmann–Robertson–Walker Universe filled with perfect fluid and investigated its cosmological implications in the light of Pantheon compilation of 1048 supernova Ia (SNe Ia) data points along with 54 data points from observed Hubble data. The non-minimal curvature–matter coupling has been introduced by adding a term to the usual action for Einstein gravity involving the Einstein–Hilbert action and minimally coupled matter action. We investigate the observational constraints on the non-minimal models by choosing two different kinds of parametrisation of fluid-pressure profiles using a dimensionless parameter k. The interplay of the three parameters plays a pivotal role in testing the consistency of non-minimally coupled fluid–curvature scenarios with the observed data. We found there exist large domains in the ()-parameter space for which models with non-minimal curvature–matter mixing stand as viable cosmological models reproducing the observed features of late-time cosmic evolution. We also commented on the possibility of ‘gravitationally induced particle creation’ in the context of SNe Ia data.

Non-commutative wormhole in non-minimal curvature–matter coupling of f(R) gravity with Gaussian and Lorentzian distributions

In this work, we construct two new wormhole solutions in the theory dealing with non-minimal coupling between curvature and matter. We take into account an explicitly non-minimal coupling between an arbitrary function of scalar curvature [Formula: see text] and the Lagrangian density of matter. For this purpose, we discuss the Wormhole geometries inspired by non-minimal curvature coupling in [Formula: see text] gravity for linear model in [Formula: see text] as well as nonlinear model in [Formula: see text]. To derive these solutions, we choose the Gaussian and Lorentzian density distributions. To check the viability of these solutions, we plot the graphs for energy conditions and wormhole parameters. It is found that obtained wormhole solutions in both distributions satisfy the energy condition. The resulting wormhole solutions for both non-commutative distributions are determined to be physically stable when we evaluate the stability of these wormhole solutions graphically. It is concluded that wormhole solutions exist with viable physical properties in the non-minimal curvature–matter coupling of [Formula: see text] gravity with Gaussian and Lorentzian distributions.

Irreversible Geometrothermodynamics of Open Systems in Modified Gravity.

In this work, we explore the formalism of the irreversible thermodynamics of open systems and the possibility of gravitationally generated particle production in modified gravity. More specifically, we consider the scalar-tensor representation of f(R,T) gravity, in which the matter energy-momentum tensor is not conserved due to a nonminimal curvature-matter coupling. In the context of the irreversible thermodynamics of open systems, this non-conservation of the energy-momentum tensor can be interpreted as an irreversible flow of energy from the gravitational sector to the matter sector, which, in general, could result in particle creation. We obtain and discuss the expressions for the particle creation rate, the creation pressure, and the entropy and temperature evolutions. Applied together with the modified field equations of scalar-tensor f(R,T) gravity, the thermodynamics of open systems lead to a generalization of the ΛCDM cosmological paradigm, in which the particle creation rate and pressure are considered effectively as components of the cosmological fluid energy-momentum tensor. Thus, generally, modified theories of gravity in which these two quantities do not vanish provide a macroscopic phenomenological description of particle production in the cosmological fluid filling the Universe and also lead to the possibility of cosmological models that start from empty conditions and gradually build up matter and entropy.

Gravitationally induced particle production in scalar-tensor f(R,T) gravity

We explore the possibility of gravitationally generated particle production in the scalar-tensor representation of $f(R,T)$ gravity. Due to the explicit nonminimal curvature-matter coupling in the theory, the divergence of the matter energy-momentum tensor does not vanish. We explore the physical and cosmological implications of this property by using the formalism of irreversible thermodynamics of open systems in the presence of matter creation/annihilation. The particle creation rates, pressure, temperature evolution, and the expression of the comoving entropy are obtained in a covariant formulation and discussed in detail. Applied together with the gravitational field equations, the thermodynamics of open systems lead to a generalization of the standard $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ cosmological paradigm, in which the particle creation rates and pressures are effectively considered as components of the cosmological fluid energy-momentum tensor. We also consider specific models, and compare the scalar-tensor $f(R,T)$ cosmology with the $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}\mathrm{CDM}$ scenario and the observational data for the Hubble function. The properties of the particle creation rates, of the creation pressures, and entropy generation through gravitational matter production are further investigated in both the low and high redshift limits.

Thermodynamics of traversable wormholes in f(R,T) gravity

In this paper, we discuss thermodynamics for spherically symmetric and static traversable wormholes which include Morris–Thorne wormholes and charged wormholes in the background of [Formula: see text] gravity. The local coordinates have been used to find trapping horizons of these objects and generalized surface gravity has been worked out on the trapping horizons. The expression for the unified first law has also been derived from the gradient of Misner–Sharp energy with the help of gravitational field equations and from this law the first law of wormhole dynamics has been obtained. We have done this analysis for the simplest case of [Formula: see text] gravity where [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] being the traces of the Ricci and stress–energy tensors. Also, we have extended these thermodynamic results to non-minimal curvature-matter coupling.

Black hole solutions and Euler equation in Rastall and generalized Rastall theories of gravity

Focusing on the special case of generalized Rastall theory, as a subclass of the non-minimal curvature-matter coupling theories in which the field equations are mathematically similar to the Einstein field equations in the presence of cosmological constant, we find two classes of black hole (BH) solutions including (i) conformally flat solutions and (ii) non-singular BHs. Accepting the mass function definition and by using the entropy contents of the solutions along with thermodynamic definitions of temperature and pressure, we study the validity of Euler equation on the corresponding horizons. Our results show that the thermodynamic pressure, meeting the Euler equation, is not always equal to the pressure components appeared in the gravitational field equations and satisfies the first law of thermodynamics, a result which in fact depends on the presumed energy definition. The requirements of having solutions with equal thermodynamic and Hawking temperatures are also studied. Additionally, we study the conformally flat BHs in the Rastall framework. The consequences of employing generalized Misner–Sharp mass in studying the validity of the Euler equation are also addressed.

Coupling matter in modifiedQgravity

We present a novel theory of gravity by considering an extension of symmetric teleparallel gravity. This is done by introducing, in the framework of the metric-affine formalism, a new class of theories where the nonmetricity $Q$ is nonminimally coupled to the matter Lagrangian. More specifically, we consider a Lagrangian of the form $L \sim f_1(Q) + f_2(Q) L_M$, where $f_1$ and $f_2$ are generic functions of $Q$, and $L_M$ is the matter Lagrangian. This nonminimal coupling entails the nonconservation of the energy-momentum tensor, and consequently the appearance of an extra force. The motivation is to verify whether the subtle improvement of the geometrical formulation, when implemented in the matter sector, would allow more universally consistent and viable realisations of the nonminimal curvature-matter coupling theories. Furthermore, we consider several cosmological applications by presenting the evolution equations and imposing specific functional forms of the functions $f_1(Q)$ and $f_2(Q)$, such as power-law and exponential dependencies of the nonminimal couplings. Cosmological solutions are considered in two general classes of models, and found to feature accelerating expansion at late times.

Gravitational waves in theories with a non-minimal curvature-matter coupling

Gravitational waves in the presence of a non-minimal curvature-matter coupling are analysed, both in the Newman–Penrose and perturbation theory formalisms. Considering a cosmological constant as a source, the non-minimally coupled matter-curvature model reduces to f(R) theories. This is in good agreement with the most recent data. Furthermore, a dark energy-like fluid is briefly considered, where the propagation equation for the tensor modes differs from the previous scenario, in that the scalar mode equation has an extra term, which can be interpreted as the longitudinal mode being the result of the mixture of two fundamental excitations delta R and delta rho .

Noether symmetries and anisotropic universe models in f(R, T) gravity

This paper investigates the existence of Noether symmetries of some anisotropic homogeneous universe models in non-minimally coupled f(R, T) gravity (R and T represent Ricci scalar and trace of the energy–momentum tensor). We evaluate symmetry generators and the corresponding conserved quantities for two models of this theory admitting direct and indirect non-minimal curvature–matter coupling. We also discuss exact solutions for dust as well as non-dust matter distribution and study the physical behavior of some cosmological parameters through these solutions. For dust distribution, the exact solution corresponds to power-law expansion and Einstein universe while exponential expansion appears for non-dust matter. The graphical analysis of these solutions and cosmological parameters provide consistent results with recent observations about accelerated cosmic expansion. We conclude that Noether symmetry generators and conserved quantities exist for both models.

Cosmological implications of modified gravity induced by quantum metric fluctuations

We investigate the cosmological implications of modified gravities induced by the quantum fluctuations of the gravitational metric. If the metric can be decomposed as the sum of the classical and of a fluctuating part, of quantum origin, then the corresponding Einstein quantum gravity generates at the classical level modified gravity models with a nonminimal coupling between geometry and matter. As a first step in our study, after assuming that the expectation value of the quantum correction can be generally expressed in terms of an arbitrary second order tensor constructed from the metric and from the thermodynamic quantities characterizing the matter content of the Universe, we derive the (classical) gravitational field equations in their general form. We analyze in detail the cosmological models obtained by assuming that the quantum correction tensor is given by the coupling of a scalar field and of a scalar function to the metric tensor, and by a term proportional to the matter energy-momentum tensor. For each considered model we obtain the gravitational field equations, and the generalized Friedmann equations for the case of a flat homogeneous and isotropic geometry. In some of these models the divergence of the matter energy-momentum tensor is non-zero, indicating a process of matter creation, which corresponds to an irreversible energy flow from the gravitational field to the matter fluid, and which is direct consequence of the nonminimal curvature-matter coupling. The cosmological evolution equations of these modified gravity models induced by the quantum fluctuations of the metric are investigated in detail by using both analytical and numerical methods, and it is shown that a large variety of cosmological models can be constructed, which, depending on the numerical values of the model parameters, can exhibit both accelerating and decelerating behaviors.

Gravitational induced particle production through a nonminimal curvature–matter coupling

We consider the possibility of a gravitationally induced particle production through the mechanism of a nonminimal curvature-matter coupling. An interesting feature of this gravitational theory is that the divergence of the energy-momentum tensor is nonzero. As a first step in our study we reformulate the model in terms of an equivalent scalar-tensor theory, with two arbitrary potentials. By using the formalism of open thermodynamic systems, we interpret the energy balance equations in this gravitational theory from a thermodynamic point of view, as describing irreversible matter creation processes. The particle number creation rates, the creation pressure, and the entropy production rates are explicitly obtained as functions of the scalar field and its potentials, as well as of the matter Lagrangian. The temperature evolution laws of the newly created particles are also obtained. The cosmological implications of the model are briefly investigated, and it is shown that the late-time cosmic acceleration may be due to particle creation processes. Furthermore, it is also shown that due to the curvature--matter coupling, during the cosmological evolution a large amount of comoving entropy is also produced.

Gödel-type Universes in Palatini f(R) Gravity with a Non-minimal Curvature-matter Coupling

In this paper, we consider the Godel-type universes and study the issue of causality in a modified gravity with a non-minimal curvature-matter coupling within the Palatini approach. To examine the causality violation in this model, we assume two kinds of matter sources, a perfect fluid and a scalar field. We show that in the case of a perfect fluid, there exist a critical radius r c which beyond that the casuality is violated. On the other hand, assuming a scalar field as the matter source, the critical radius is being infinity thus the breakdown of causality is forbidden.

Thermodynamics in Modified Gravity with Curvature Matter Coupling

The first and generalized second laws of thermodynamics are studied inf(R,Lm)gravity, a more general modified theory with curvature matter coupling. It is found that one can translate the Friedmann equations to the form of first law accompanied with entropy production term. This behavior is due to the nonequilibrium thermodynamics in this theory. We establish the generalized second law of thermodynamics and develop the constraints on coupling parameters for two specific models. It is concluded that laws of thermodynamics in this modified theory are more general and can reproduce the corresponding results in Einstein,f(R)gravity, andf(R)gravity with arbitrary as well as nonminimal curvature matter coupling.

Time machines and traversable wormholes in modified theories of gravity

We review recent work on wormhole geometries in the context of modified theories of gravity, in particular, in f(R) gravity and with a nonminimal curvature-matter coupling, and in the recently proposed hybrid metric-Palatini theory. In principle, the normal matter threading the throat can be shown to satisfy the energy conditions and it is the higher order curvatures terms that sustain these wormhole geometries. We also briefly review the conversion of wormholes into time-machines, explore several of the time travel paradoxes and possible remedies to these intriguing side-effects in wormhole physics.

Nonminimal curvature–matter coupled wormholes with matter satisfying the null energy condition

Recently, the exact solutions of wormhole geometries supported by a nonminimal curvature–matter coupling were found, where the nonminimal coupling minimizes the violation of the null energy condition of normal matter at the throat. In this brief report, we present a solution where normal matter satisfies the energy conditions at the throat and it is the higher order curvature derivatives of the nonminimal coupling that are responsible for the null energy condition violation, and consequently for supporting the respective wormhole geometries. For simplicity, we consider a linear R nonmiminal curvature–matter coupling and an explicit monotonically increasing function for the energy density. Thus, the solution found is not asymptotically flat, but may in principle be matched to an exterior vacuum solution.

Wormhole geometries supported by a nonminimal curvature-matter coupling

Wormhole geometries in curvature-matter coupled modified gravity are explored, by considering an explicit nonminimal coupling between an arbitrary function of the scalar curvature, R, and the Lagrangian density of matter. It is the effective stress-energy tensor containing the coupling between matter and the higher order curvature derivatives that is responsible for the null energy condition violation, and consequently for supporting the respective wormhole geometries. The general restrictions imposed by the null energy condition violation are presented in the presence of a nonminimal R-matter coupling. Furthermore, obtaining exact solutions to the gravitational field equations is extremely difficult due to the nonlinearity of the equations, although the problem is mathematically well-defined. Thus, we outline several approaches for finding wormhole solutions, and deduce an exact solution by considering a linear R nonmiminal curvature-matter coupling and by considering an explicit monotonically decreasing function for the energy density. Although it is difficult to find exact solutions of matter threading the wormhole satisfying the energy conditions at the throat, an exact solution is found where the nonminimal coupling does indeed minimize the violation of the null energy condition of normal matter at the throat.