We construct a DGP-inspired braneworld model where induced gravity on the brane is modified in the spirit of $f(R)$ gravity and stringy effects are taken into account by incorporation of the Gauss-Bonnet term in the bulk action. We explore cosmological dynamics of this model and we show that this scenario is a successful alternative for dark energy proposal. Interestingly, it realizes the phantom-like behavior without introduction of any phantom field on the brane and the effective equation of state parameter crosses the cosmological constant line naturally in the same way as observational data suggest.
We construct a holographic dark energy model in a braneworld setup that gravity is induced on the brane embedded in a bulk with Gauss-Bonnet curvature term. We include possible modification of the induced gravity and its coupling with a canonical scalar field on the brane. Through a perturbational approach to calculate the effective gravitation constant on the brane, we examine the outcome of this model as a candidate for holographic dark energy.
In this thesis we investigate certain cosmological brane world models of the Randall-Sundrum type. The models are motivated by string theory but we focus on the phenomenology of the cosmology. Two models of specific interest are the Dvali-Gabadadze-Porrati (DGP, induced-gravity) model, where the brane action is modified, and the Gauss-Bonnet model where the bulk action is modified. Both of these modifications maybe motivated by string theory. We provide a brief review of Randall-Sundrum models and then consider the Kaluza-Klein modes on Minkowski and de Sitter branes, in both the two and one b…
The DGP brane world model allows us to get the observed late time acceleration via modified gravity, without the need for a ``dark energy'' field. This can then be generalised by the inclusion of high energy terms, in the form of a Gauss-Bonnet bulk. This is the basis of the Gauss-Bonnet-Induced-Gravity (GBIG) model explored here with both early and late time modifications to the cosmological evolution. Recently the simplest GBIG models (Minkowski bulk and no brane tension) have been analysed. Two of the three possible branches in these models start with a finite density ``Big-Bang'' and with …
We address the possibility of taking advantage of high accuracy gravitational space experiments in the Solar System and complementary cosmological tests to distinguish between the usual general relativistic theory from the alternative modified Newtonian dynamics paradigm.
A modified Newton's gravity is obtained as the weak field approximation of the Einstein's equation in Finsler space. It is found that a specified Finsler structure makes the modified Newton's gravity equivalent to the modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). In the framework of Finsler geometry, the flat rotation curves of spiral galaxies can be deduced naturally without invoking dark matter.
Gravitational field equations in Randers-Finsler space of approximate Berwald type are investigated. A modified Friedmann model is proposed. It is showed that the accelerated expanding universe is guaranteed by a constrained Randers-Finsler structure without invoking dark energy. The geodesic in Randers-Finsler space is studied. The additional term in the geodesic equation acts as repulsive force against the gravity.
The present work deals with four alternative formulation of Bekenstein system on event horizon in $f(R)$ gravity. While thermodynamical laws holds in universe bounded by apparent horizon, these laws break down on event horizon. With alternative formulation of thermodynamical parameters (temperature and entropy), thermodynamical laws hold on event horizon in Einstein Gravity. With this motivation, we extend the idea of generalised Hawking temperature and modified Bekenstein entropy in homogeneous and isotropic model of universe on event horizon and examine whether thermodynamical laws hold in f…
The Hodge-de Rham Laplacean is an extension to forms of the wave equation. A frame is a quartuple of 1-forms. The Hodge-de Rham Laplacean is modified to model it on the frame itself (not on the standard frame $dx$). This modified Laplacean is invariant. The basic equation is: The modified Laplacean operating on the frame is equal to a source term times the frame. Kaniel and Itin (Il Nuovo Cimento vol 113B,N3,1998) analyzed the equation for steady state and spherically symmetric frame (General Relativity). They computed a closed solution for which the derived metric is Rosen's. This closed solu…
Modified Chaplygin Gas has been successful in describing the cosmic history of the universe from radiation to $Λ$CDM in standard cosmology, while particle creation mechanism in nonlinear thermodynamics can be used to explain inflation as well as late time acceleration. The present work is an attempt to explore the possibilities of obtaining an alternative explanations to cosmic evolution when modified Chaplygin gas is used in the context of particle creation mechanism.
This paper investigates the implications from area quantization in Loop Quantum Gravity, particularly focusing on the application of the Landauer principle -- a fundamental thermodynamic concept establishing a connection between information theory and thermodynamics. By leveraging the Landauer principle in conjunction with the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy law, we derive the usual value for the Immirzi parameter precisely, $γ= \ln2/(π\sqrt{3})$, without using the typical procedure that involves the Boltzmann-Gibbs entropy. Furthermore, following an analogous procedure, we derive a modified expres…
The dynamics of binary pulsars can be used to test different aspects of gravitation. This is particularly important to constrain alternatives to general relativity in regimes which are not probed by other methods. In this short contribution, I will describe the case of theories of gravity without Lorentz invariance. The latter are important in the context of quantum gravity and modify the laws of gravity at basically all scales.
In this contribution to the conference "Beyond Einstein: Historical Perspectives on Geometry, Gravitation and Cosmology in the Twentieth Century", we give a critical status report of attempts to explain the late accelerated expansion of the universe by modifications of general relativity. Our brief review of such alternatives to the standard cosmological model addresses mainly readers who have not pursued the vast recent literature on this subject.
An explicit example is found showing how a modified theory of gravity can be constrained with the ringdown signals from merger of binary black holes. This has been made possible by the fact that the modified gravitational theory considered in this work has an exact rotating black hole solution and that the corresponding quasi-normal modes can be calculated. With these, we obtain the possible constraint that can be placed on the parameter describing the deviation of this particular alternative theory from general relativity by using the detection of the ringdown signals from binary black holes'…
The premier alternative to the dark matter paradigm is modified gravity. Following an introduction to the relevant phenomenology of galaxies, I review the MOND paradigm, an effective summary of the observations which any theory must reproduce. A simple nonlinear modified gravity theory does justice to MOND at the nonrelativistic level, but cannot be elevated to the relativistic level in a unique way. I go in detail into the covariant tensor-vector-theory (TeVeS) which not only recovers MOND but can also deal in detail with gravitational lensing and cosmology. Problems with MOND and TeVeS at th…
Observations are inconsistent with a homogeneous and isotropic universe with ordinary matter and gravity. The universe is far from exact homogeneity and isotropy at late times, and the effect of the non-linear structures has to be quantified before concluding that new physics is needed. We explain how structure formation can lead to accelerated expansion, and discuss a semi-realistic model where the timescale of the change in the expansion rate emerges from the physics of structure formation.
From a study of conserved quantities of the so-called Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) we propose an alternative to this theory. We show that this proposal is consistent with the Tully-Fisher law, has conserved quantities whose Newtonian limit are the energy and angular momentum, and can be useful to explain cosmic acceleration. The dynamics obtained suggests that, when acceleration is very small, time depends on acceleration. This result is analogous to that of special relativity where time depends on velocity.
More than 50 abstracts were submitted to the A4 session on "Alternatives Theories of Gravity" at the GRG18 conference. About 30 of them were scheduled as oral presentations, that we summarize below. We do not intend to give a critical review, but rather pointers to the corresponding papers. The main topics were (i) brane models both from the mathematical and the phenomenological viewpoints; (ii) Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet gravity in higher dimensions or coupled to a scalar field; (iii) modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND); (iv) scalar-tensor and f(R) theories; (v) alternative models involving Lorentz…
In this paper, we consider wormhole geometries in the context of teleparallel equivalent of general relativity (TEGR) as well as $f(T)$ gravity. The TEGR is an alternative geometrical formulation of Einstein's general relativity, where modified teleparallel gravity or $f(T)$ gravity has been invoked as an alternative approach for explaining an accelerated expansion of the universe. We present the analytical solutions under the assumption of spherical symmetry and the existence of a conformal Killing vectors to proceed a more systematic approach in searching for exact wormhole solutions. More p…
In the present work, we reconstruct different f(T)-gravity models corresponding to the original and entropy-corrected version of the holographic and new agegraphic dark energy models. We also obtain the equation of state parameters of the corresponding f(T)-gravity models. We conclude that the holographic and new agegraphic f(T)-gravity models behave like phantom or quintessence model. Whereas in the entropy-corrected models, the equation of state parameter can justify the transition from the quintessence state to the phantom regime as indicated by the recent observations.
The predictions of homogeneous and isotropic cosmological models with ordinary matter and gravity are off by a factor of two in the late universe. One possible explanation is the known breakdown of homogeneity and isotropy due to the formation of non-linear structures. We review how inhomogeneities affect the average expansion rate and can lead to acceleration, and consider a semi-realistic model where the observed timescale of ten billion years emerges from structure formation. We also discuss the relation between the average expansion rate and observed quantities.
We consider perturbative modifications of the Friedmann equations in terms of energy density corresponding to modified theories of gravity proposed as an alternative route to comply with the observed accelerated expansion of the universe. Assuming that the present matter content of the universe is a pressureless fluid, the possible singularities that may arise as the final state of the universe are surveyed. It is shown that, at most, two coefficients of the perturbative expansion of the Friedman equations are relevant for the analysis. Some examples of application of the perturbative scheme a…
We suggest the modified gravity where some arbitrary function of Gauss-Bonnet (GB) term is added to Einstein action as gravitational dark energy. It is shown that such theory may pass solar system tests. It is demonstrated that modified GB gravity may describe the most interesting features of late-time cosmology: the transition from deceleration to acceleration, crossing the phantom divide, current acceleration with effective (cosmological constant, quintessence or phantom) equation of state of the universe.
We describe how a certain simple modification of general relativity, in which the local cosmological constant is allowed to depend on the space-time curvature, predicts the existence of halos of modified gravity surrounding spherically-symmetric objects. We show that the gravitational mass of an object weighed together with its halo can be much larger than its gravitational mass as seen from inside the halo. This effect could provide an alternative explanation of the dark-matter phenomenon in galaxies. In this case, the local cosmological constant in the solar system must be some six orders of…
This article presents cosmological models that arise in a subclass of $f(R,T)=f(R)+f(T)$ gravity models, with different $f(R)$ functions and fixed $T$-dependence. That is, the gravitational lagrangian is considered as $f(R,T)=f(R)+λT$, with constant $λ$. Here $R$ and $T$ represent the Ricci scalar and trace of the stress-energy tensor, respectively. The modified gravitational field equations are obtained through the metric formalism for the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker metric with signature $(+,-,-,-)$. We work with $f(R)=R+αR^2-\frac{μ^4}{R}$, $f(R)=R+k\ln(γR)$ and $f(R)=R+me^{[-nR]}$,…
The recent data release by the Planck satellite collaboration presents a renewed challenge for modified theories of gravitation. Such theories must be capable of reproducing the observed angular power spectrum of the cosmic microwave background radiation. For modified theories of gravity, an added challenge lies with the fact that standard computational tools do not readily accommodate the features of a theory with a variable gravitational coupling coefficient. An alternative is to use less accurate but more easily modifiable semianalytical approximations to reproduce at least the qualitative …
In the recent years, a host of modified gravity models have been proposed as alternatives to the dark energy. A quantum theory of gravity also requires to modify `General Theory of Relativity'. In the present article, we consider five different modified theories of gravity, and compare inflationary parameters with recent data sets released by two Planck collaboration teams. Our analysis reveals that the scalar-tensor theory of gravity is the best alternative.
The actual accelerated expansion of the universe continues being a mystery in physics. Some models had been proposed for this explanations, among them the dark energy, which however has problems of experimental character as well as theoretical. Other approximations, like modified gravity theories are an interesting alternative for this problem. Motivated in this approach we study cosmological models in f(R) theories which are natural extension of General Relativity with arbitrary functions of the Ricci scalar. One chapter has dedicated to obtain the modified field equations in the metric forma…
This paper explores the possibility of treating the exotic Chaplygin-gas (CG) fluid model as some manifestation of an $f(T)$ gravitation. To this end, we use the different cosmological CG equations of state, compare them with the equation of state for the modified teleparallel gravity and reconstruct the corresponding Lagrangian densities. We then explicitly derive the equation of state parameter of the torsion fluid $w_T$ and study its evolution for vacuum-torsion, radiation-torsion, dust-torsion, stiff fluid torsion, and radiation-dust-torsion multi-fluid systems. The obtained Lagrangians ha…
It is broadly known that Lie point symmetries and their subcase, Noether symmetries, can be used as a geometric criterion to select alternative theories of gravity. Here, we use Noether symmetries as a selection criterion to distinguish those models of $f(R,G)$ theory, with $R$ and $G$ being the Ricci and the Gauss-Bonnet scalars respectively, that are invariant under point transformations in a spherically symmetric background. In total, we find ten different forms of $f$ that present symmetries and calculate their invariant quantities, i.e Noether vector fields. Furthermore, we use these Noet…
The problem of explaining the acceleration of the expansion of the universe and the observational and theoretical difficulties associated with dark matter and dark energy are discussed. The possibility that Einstein gravity does not correctly describe the large-scale structure of the universe is considered and an alternative gravity theory is proposed as a possible resolution to the problems.
We review various modified gravities considered as gravitational alternative for dark energy. Specifically, we consider the versions of $f(R)$, $f(G)$ or $f(R,G)$ gravity, model with non-linear gravitational coupling or string-inspired model with Gauss-Bonnet-dilaton coupling in the late universe where they lead to cosmic speed-up. It is shown that some of such theories may pass the Solar System tests. On the same time, it is demonstrated that they have quite rich cosmological structure: they may naturally describe the effective (cosmological constant, quintessence or phantom) late-time era wi…
The recent type Ia supernova data suggest that the universe is accelerating now and decelerated in recent past. This may provide the evidence that the standard Friedmann equation needs to be modified. We analyze in detail a new model in the context of modified Friedmann equation using the supernova data published by the High-$z$ Supernova Search Team and the Supernova Cosmology Project. The new model explains recent acceleration and past deceleration. Furthermore, the new model also gives a decelerated universe in the future.
Modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) is an empirically motivated modification of Newtonian gravity or inertia suggested by Milgrom as an alternative to cosmic dark matter. The basic idea is that at accelerations below a0 ~ 10^{-8} cm/s^2 ~ cH0/6 the effective gravitational attraction approaches sqrt{gN*a0} where gN is the usual Newtonian acceleration. This simple algorithm yields flat rotation curves for spiral galaxies and a mass-rotation velocity relation of the form M ~ V^4 that forms the basis for the observed luminosity-rotation velocity relation-- the Tully-Fisher law. We review the phenom…
Modified Newtonian dynamics, a successful alternative to the cosmic dark matter model, proposes that gravitational field deviates from the Newtonian law when the field strength $g$ is weaker than a critical value $g_0$. We will show that the dynamics of MOND can be derived from an induced gravity model. New dynamics is shown to be compatible with the spatial deformation of scalar fields coupled to the system. Approximate solutions are shown explicitly for a simple toy model.
The glitch activity of young pulsars arises from the exchange of angular momentum between the crust and the interior of the star. Recently, it was inferred that the moment of inertia of the crust of a neutron star is not sufficient to explain the observed glitches. Such estimates are presumed in the Einstein's general relativity in describing the hydrostatic equilibrium of neutron stars. The crust of the neutron star has a space-time curvature of 14 orders of magnitude larger than that probed in solar system tests. This makes gravity the weakest constrained physics input in the crust related p…
We study structure formation in phenomenological models in which the Friedmann equation receives a correction of the form $H^α/r_c^{2-α}$, which realize an accelerated expansion without dark energy. In order to address structure formation in these model, we construct simple covariant gravitational equations which give the modified Friedmann equation with $α=2/n$ where $n$ is an integer. For $n=2$, the underlying theory is known as a 5D braneworld model (the DGP model). Thus the models interpolate between the DGP model ($n=2, α=1$) and the LCDM model in general relativity ($n \to \infty, α\to 0…
Modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) can be obtained by modifying the entropic formulation of gravity, this is achieved by considering the quantum statistical nature of the degrees of freedom on the holographic screen. Through this frame work, we find some constraints on a cosmological extension for MOND, with no additional auxiliary fields. The connections between MOND to conformal gravity and Rindler force gravity are examined. These two alternative gravity theories are subsequently considered as possible cosmological extensions of MOND.
Modified gravity (MOG) is a covariant, relativistic, alternative gravitational theory whose field equations are derived from an action that supplements the spacetime metric tensor with vector and scalar fields. Both gravitational (spin 2) and electromagnetic waves travel on null geodesics of the theory's one metric. Despite a recent claim to the contrary, MOG satisfies the weak equivalence principle and is consistent with observations of the neutron star merger and gamma ray burster event GW170817/GRB170817A.
Pulsar timing arrays are sensitive to gravitational wave perturbations produced by individual supermassive black hole binaries during their early inspiral phase. Modified gravity theories allow for the emission of gravitational dipole radiation, which is enhanced relative to the quadrupole contribution for low orbital velocities, making the early inspiral an ideal regime to test for the presence of modified gravity effects. Using a theory-agnostic description of modified gravity theories based on the parametrized post-Einsteinian framework, we explore the possibility of detecting deviations fr…
We investigate particle laws of motion derived from nonstandard kinetic actions of a special form. We are guided by a phenomenological scheme--the modified dynamics (MOND)--that imputes the mass discrepancy observed in galactic systems to a departure from Newtonian dynamics below a certain acceleration scale a0. In the limit a0 goes to 0 the theory goes to Newtonian dynamics. In the opposite limit the action becomes proportional to 1/a0. Galilei-invariant such theories must be strongly non-local; this is a blessing, as such theories need not suffer from the illnesses that are endemic to higher…
Scalar Tensor Vector Gravity(STVG) is a fully covariant Lorentz invariant alternative theory of gravity also called as MOdified Gravity(MOG) which modifies General Relativity(GR) with dynamical massive vector field and scalar fields. In STVG the mass $μ$ of the vector field $ϕ$ and the Universal gravitational constant G enjoys the status of a dynamical field. We use the reconstructed total cluster mass obtained from X-ray observations by XMM-Newton telescope in combination with the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich(SZ) effect observed within Planck all-sky survey to estimate the parameters $ α$ and $μ$ with …
We propose a new approach to test possible corrections to Newtonian gravity using solar physics. The high accuracy of current solar models and new precise observations allow one to constrain corrections to standard gravity at unprecedented levels. Our case study is Eddington-inspired gravity, an attractive modified theory of gravity which results in non-singular cosmology and collapse. The theory is equivalent to standard gravity in vacuum, but it sensibly differs from it within matter, for instance it affects the evolution and the equilibrium structure of the Sun, giving different core temper…
Since the Newtonian gravitation is largely used to model with success the structures of the universe, such as galaxies and clusters of galaxies, for example, a way to probe and constrain alternative theories, in the weak field limit, is to apply them to model the structures of the universe. We then modified the well known Gadget-2 code to probe alternative theories of gravitation through galactic dynamics. In particular, we modified the Gadget-2 code to probe alternatives theories whose weak field limits have a Yukawa-like gravitational potential. As a first application of this modified Gadget…
A few questions related to white dwarfs' physics is posed. It seems that the modified gravity framework can be a good starting point to provide alternative explanations to cooling processes, their age determination, and Chandrasekhar mass limits. Moreover, we have also obtained the Chandrasekhar limit coming from Palatini $f(\mathcal{R})$ gravity provided by a simple Lane-Emden model.
We propose, in a heuristic way, a relativistic modified gravity model as an alternative to particle dark matter at galactic scales. The model is based on a postulated preferred time foliation described by a dynamical scalar field called the "Khronon". In coordinates adapted to the foliation it appears as a modification of general relativity violating local Lorentz invariance in a regime of weak gravitational fields. The model is a particular case of non-canonical Einstein-aether theory, but in which the aether vector field is hypersurface orthogonal. We show that this model recovers the phenom…
We derive an expression for the luminosity distance as a function of redshift for a flat Robertson-Walker spacetime perturbed by arbitrary scalar perturbations possibly produced by a modified gravity theory with two different scalar perturbation potentials. Measurements of the luminosity distance as function of redshift provide a constraint on a combination of the scalar potentials and so they can complement weak lensing and other measurements in trying to distinguish among the various alternative theories of gravity.
We study a spin 1/2 fermion in a teleparallel f(T) domain-wall thick braneworld. By assuming a non-minimal coupling of fermion to the torsion, a geometric alternative to the Yukawa coupling is found. The torsion parameters control the width of the massless Kaluza-Klein mode and the properties of the analogue quantum-potential near the origin. The non-normalized massive fermionic modes are also analyzed.
In recent years, a number of alternative theories of gravity have been proposed as possible resolutions of certain cosmological problems or as toy models for possible but heretofore unobserved effects. However, the implications of such theories for the stability of structures such as stars have not been fully investigated. We use our "generalized variational principle", described in a previous work, to analyze the stability of static spherically symmetric solutions to spherically symmetric perturbations in three such alternative theories: Carroll et al.'s f(R) gravity, Jacobson & Mattingly's "…
Many alternative theories of gravity screens a Yukawa-type potential. This article shows Keplerian-type parametrization as a solution of Yukawa type potential accurate equations of motion for two non-spinning compact objects moving in an eccentric orbit. A bound from the solar system is presented.
In this paper we study consistent solutions of spherically symmetric space in metric f(R) gravity theory. Here we inversely obtain a generic action from metric solutions that describe flat rotation curves in spiral galaxies without dark matter. Then we show that obtained solutions are in conformity with Tully-Fisher relation and modified Newtonian dynamics, which are two strong constraints in justification of flat rotation curves in spiral galaxies.
By considering linear-order departures from general relativity, we compute a novel expression for the weak lensing convergence power spectrum under alternative theories of gravity. This comprises an integral over a 'kernel' of general relativistic quantities multiplied by a theory-dependent 'source' term. The clear separation between theory-independent and -dependent terms allows for an explicit understanding of each physical effect introduced by altering the theory of gravity. We take advantage of this to explore the degeneracies between gravitational parameters in weak lensing observations.
