Reconstruction of f(R), f(T) and f(\mathcal{G}) models inspired by variable deceleration parameter

We study an special law for the deceleration parameter, recently proposed by Akarsu and Dereli, in the context of f(R), f(T) and $f(\mathcal{G})$ theories of modified gravity. This law covers the law of Berman for obtaining exact cosmological models to account for the current acceleration of the universe, and also gives the opportunity to generalize many of the dark energy models having better consistency with the cosmological observations. Our aim is to reconstruct the f(R), f(T) and $f(\mathcal{G})$ models inspired by this law of variable deceleration parameter. Such models may then exhibit better consistency with the cosmological observations.     

Non-vacuum solutions of Bianchi type VI0 universe in f(R) gravity

In this paper, we solve the field equations in metric f(R) gravity for Bianchi type VI ₀ spacetime and discuss evolution of the expanding universe. We find two types of non-vacuum solutions by taking isotropic and anisotropic fluids as the source of matter and dark energy. The physical behavior of these solutions is analyzed and compared in the future evolution with the help of some physical and geometrical parameters. It is concluded that in the presence of isotropic fluid, the model has singularity at [(t)\tilde]=0\tilde{t}=0 and represents continuously expanding shearing universe currently entering into phantom phase. In anisotropic fluid, the model has no initial singularity and exhibits the uniform accelerating expansion. However, the spacetime does not achieve isotropy as t→∞ in both of these solutions.     

New agegraphic dark energy in <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) gravity

In this paper, we study a cosmological application of the new agegraphic dark energy density in the f(R) gravity framework. We employ the new agegraphic model of dark energy to obtain the equation of state for the new agegraphic energy density in a spatially flat universe. Our calculations show, taking n<0, that it is possible to have w _Λ crossing −1. This implies that one can generate a phantom-like equation of state from a new agegraphic dark energy model in a flat universe in the modified gravity cosmology framework. Also, we develop a reconstruction scheme for the modified gravity with f(R) action.     

Regularized Reconstruction of the Differential Emission Measure from Solar Flare Hard X-Ray Spectra

We address the problem of how to test whether an observed solar hard X-ray bremsstrahlung spectrum (I(∊)) is consistent with a purely thermal (locally Maxwellian) distribution of source electrons, and, if so, how to reconstruct the corresponding differential emission measure (ξ(T)). Unlike previous analysis based on the Kramers and Bethe-Heitler approximations to the bremsstrahlung cross-section, here we use an exact (solid-angle-averaged) cross-section. We show that the problem of determining ξ(T) from measurements of I(∊) invOlves two successive inverse problems: the first, to recover the mean source-electron flux spectrum ( [`(F)]\overline{F} (E)) from I(∊) and the second, to recover ξ(T) from [`(F)]\overline{F} (E). We discuss the highly pathological numerical properties of this second problem within the framework of the regularization theory for linear inverse problems. In particular, we show that an iterative scheme with a positivity constraint is effective in recovering δ-like forms of ξ(T) while first-order Tikhonov regularization with boundary conditions works well in the case of power-law-like forms. Therefore, we introduce a restoration approach whereby the low-energy part of [`(F)]\overline{F} (E), dominated by the thermal component, is inverted by using the iterative algorithm with positivity, while the high-energy part, dominated by the power-law component, is inverted by using first-order regularization. This approach is first tested by using simulated [`(F)]\overline{F} (E) derived from a priori known forms of ξ(T) and then applied to hard X-ray spectral data from the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI).     

Dissipation of modified entropic gravitational energy through gravitational waves

The phenomenological nature of a new gravitational type interaction between two different bodies derived from Verlinde’s entropic approach to gravitation in combination with Sorkin’s definition of Universe’s quantum information content, is investigated. Assuming that the energy stored in this entropic gravitational field is dissipated under the form of gravitational waves and that the Heisenberg principle holds for this system, one calculates a possible value for an absolute minimum time scale in nature t = \frac1516 \fracL^1/2(^h/_2p) Gc⁴ ~ 9.27×10^-105\tau=\frac{15}{16} \frac{\Lambda^{1/2}\hbar G}{c^{4}}\sim9.27\times10^{-105} seconds, which is much smaller than the Planck time t _P =(ħG/c ⁵)^1/2∼5.38×10⁻⁴⁴ seconds. This appears together with an absolute possible maximum value for Newtonian gravitational forces generated by matter F_g=\frac3230\fracc⁷L (^h/_2p) G² ~ 3.84×10¹⁶⁵F_{g}=\frac{32}{30}\frac{c^{7}}{\Lambda \hbar G^{2}}\sim 3.84\times 10^{165} Newtons, which is much higher than the gravitational field between two Planck masses separated by the Planck length F _gP =c ⁴/G∼1.21×10⁴⁴ Newtons.     

Iodine-Cell Spectroscopy Applied to Investigating the Solar Differential Rotation

In an attempt to examine whether the spectroscopic Doppler method with an iodine cell (which is known to be successful for precise radial-velocity determinations in stellar astronomy) could be effective for investigating the solar differential rotation, we carried out intensive observations to collect spectra at a large number of points on the solar disk by using the Domeless Solar Telescope along with the horizontal spectrograph of the Hida Observatory. Having converted the resulting line-of-sight velocity component into the angular rotational rate (ω), we derived a differential rotation law, w_sidereal  (deg day^-1) = 14.03 (±0.06)-1.84 (±0.57) sin²y-1.92 (±0.85) sin⁴y\omega_{\mathrm{sidereal}}\; (\mathrm{deg}\,\mathrm{day}^{-1}) =14.03 (\pm0.06)-1.84 (\pm0.57) \sin^{2}\psi-1.92 (\pm0.85) \sin^{4}\psi (ψ: heliographic latitude), which is reasonably consistent with other spectroscopic determinations published so far. Our analysis also revealed several practical points to note for successful application (e.g., exclusion of those data that are not well distant from the meridian; mutual data subtraction/averaging for symmetric counterparts at the eastern and western hemisphere). Considering its easiness and cheapness, this iodine-cell-featured spectroscopic method may be regarded as an effective and practical tool for studying the differential rotation of the Sun.     

Quadrupolar gravitational radiation as a test-bed for f(R)-gravity

The debate concerning the viability of f(R)-gravity as a natural extension of General Relativity could be realistically addressed by using results coming from binary pulsars like PSR 1913 + 16. To this end, we develop a quadrupolar approach to the gravitational radiation for a class of analytic f(R)-models. We show that experimental results are compatible with a consistent range of f(R)-models. This means that f(R)-gravity is not ruled out by the observations and gravitational radiation (in strong field regime) could be a test-bed for such theories.     

A theoretical qualitatively-explained new-variant of Modified-Newtonian-Dynamics (MOND)

It is surprising that we hardly know only 4% of the universe. Rest of the universe is made up of 73% of dark-energy and 23% of dark-matter. Dark-energy is responsible for acceleration of the expanding universe; whereas dark-matter is said to be necessary as extra-mass of bizarre-properties to explain the anomalous rotational-velocity of galaxy. Though the existence of dark-energy has gradually been accepted in scientific community, but the candidates for dark-matter have not been found as yet and are too crazy to be accepted. Thus, it is obvious to look for an alternative theory in place of dark-matter. Milgrom (Astrophys. J. 270:365, 1983a; 270:371, 1983b) has suggested a ‘Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND)’ which appears to be highly successful for explaining the anomalous rotational-velocity. But unfortunately MOND lacks theoretical support. The MOND, in-fact, is (empirical) modification of Newtonian-Dynamics through modification in the kinematical acceleration term ‘a’ (which is normally taken as a=\fracv²ra=\frac{v^{2}}{r}) as effective kinematic acceleration a_effective = a m(\fracaa₀)a_{\mathit{effective}} = a \mu(\frac{a}{a_{0}}), wherein the μ-function is 1 for usual-values of accelerations but equals to \fracaa₀ ( << 1)\frac{a}{a_{0}} (\ll1) if the acceleration ‘a’ is extremely-low lower than a critical value a ₀(10⁻¹⁰ m/s²). In the present paper, a novel variant of MOND is proposed with theoretical backing; wherein with the consideration of universe’s acceleration a _d due to dark-energy, a new type of μ-function on theoretical-basis emerges out leading to a_effective = a(1 -K \fraca₀a)a_{\mathit{effective}} = a(1 -K \frac{a_{0}}{a}). The proposed theoretical-MOND model too is able to fairly explain ‘qualitatively’ the more-or-less ‘flat’ velocity-curve of galaxy-rotation, and is also able to predict a dip (minimum) on the curve.     

ΛCDM, ΛDGP and extended phantom-like cosmologies

In this paper we compare outcomes of some extended phantom-like cosmologies with each other and also with ΛCDM and ΛDGP. We focus on the variation of the luminosity distances, the age of the universe and the deceleration parameter versus the redshift in these scenarios. In a dynamical system approach, we show that the accelerating phase of the universe in the f(R)-DGP scenario is stable if one consider the curvature fluid as a phantom scalar field in the equivalent scalar-tensor theory, otherwise it is a transient and unstable phenomenon. Up to the parameters values adopted in this paper, the extended F(R,ϕ)-DGP scenario is closer to the ΛCDM scenario than other proposed models. All of these scenarios explain the late-time cosmic speed-up in their normal DGP branches, but the redshift at which transition to the accelerating phase occurs are different: while the ΛDGP model transits to the accelerating phase much earlier, the F(R,ϕ)-DGP model transits to this phase much later than other scenarios. Also, within the parameter spaces adopted in this paper, the age of the universe in the f(R)-DGP model is larger than ΛCDM, but this age in F(G,ϕ)-DGP is smaller than ΛCDM.     

Gravitational perfect fluid collapse in f(R) gravity

In this paper, we investigate spherically symmetric perfect fluid gravitational collapse in metric f(R) gravity. We take non-static spherically symmetric metric in the interior region and static spherically symmetric metric in the exterior region of a star. The junction conditions between interior and exterior spacetimes are derived. The field equations in f(R) theory are solved using the assumption of constant Ricci scalar. Inserting their solution into junction conditions, the gravitational mass is found. Further, the apparent horizons and their time of formation is discussed. We conclude that the constant scalar curvature term f(R ₀) acts as a source of repulsive force and thus slows down the collapse of matter. The comparison with the corresponding results available in general relativity indicates that f(R ₀) plays the role of the cosmological constant.     

Some Bianchi type cosmological models in f(R) gravity

The modified theories of gravity, especially the f(R) gravity, have attracted much attention in the last decade. In this context, we study the exact vacuum solutions of Bianchi type I, III and Kantowski-Sachs spacetimes in the metric version of f(R) gravity. The field equations are solved by taking expansion scalar θ proportional to shear scalar σ which gives A=B ⁿ , where A and B are the metric coefficients. The physical behavior of the solutions has been discussed using some physical quantities. Also, the function of the Ricci scalar is evaluated in each case.     

Equivalence principle (EP) and solar system constraints on $R(1\pm\epsilon\ln({R \over R_{c}}))$ model of gravity

Experiments on the violation of equivalence principle (EP) and solar system give a number of constraints in which any modified gravity model must satisfy them. We study these constraints on a kind of f(R) gravity as f(R) = R(1±eln([(R)/(R_c)]))f(R) = R(1\pm\epsilon\ln({R \over R_{c}})). For this investigation we use of chameleon mechanism and show that a spherically body has thin-shell in this model. So that we obtain an effective coupling of the fifth force which is suppressed through a chameleon mechanism. Also, we obtain γ _PPN =1±1.13×10⁻⁵ which is agreement with experiment results. At last, we show that for R _c ≈ρ _c this model is consistent with EP, thin shell condition and fifth force of chameleon mechanism for ε⋍10⁻¹⁴.     

Noether gauge symmetry for f(R) gravity in Palatini formalism

In this study, we consider a flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) universe in the context of Palatini f(R) theory of gravity. Using the dynamical equivalence between f(R) gravity and scalar-tensor theories, we construct a point Lagrangian in the flat FRW spacetime. Applying Noether gauge symmetry approach for this f(R) Lagrangian we find out the form of f(R) and the exact solution for cosmic scale factor. It is shown that the resulting form of f(R) yield a power-law expansion for the scale factor of the universe.     

A comparison of the spectral characteristics of the Wolf Sunspot Number (RZ) and Group Sunspot Number (RG)

The objective of this paper is to compare the spectral features of the recently derived Group Sunspot Numbers (R _G) and the traditional Wolf Sunspot Numbers (R _Z) for the 1700–1995 period. In order to study the spectral features of both time series, two methods were used, including: (a) the multitaper analysis and (b) the wavelet analysis. Well-known features of the solar variability, such as the 98.6-yr (Gleissberg cycle), 10–11-yr (Schwabe cycle) and 5-yr (second solar harmonic) periodicities were identified with high confidence using the multitaper analysis. Also observed was a larger amount of power spread in high frequencies for R _Z than for R _G spectra. Furthermore, a multitaper analysis of two subsets, A (1700–1850) and B (1851–1995), has indicated that the main differences occurred in the first subset and seem to be due to uncertainties in the early observations. The wavelet transform, which allows observing the spectra evolution of both series, showed a strong and persistent 10–11-yr signal that remained during the whole period. The Meyer Wavelet Transform was applied to both R _Z and R _G. This study indicates that the main spectral characteristics of both series are similar and that their long-term variability has the same behavior.     

Cosmological models with generalised gravitational and cosmological constants

We consider cosmology with the gravitational and cosmological constants generalized as coupling scalars in Einstein’s theory. A general method of solving the field equations is given. We study here the exact solutions for negative pressure models satisfying G=G ₀(R/R ₀) ⁿ .     

Charged analogues of Schwarzschild interior solution in terms of pressure

Recently, Bijalwan (Astrophys. Space Sci., doi:, 2011a) discussed charged fluid spheres with pressure while Bijalwan and Gupta (Astrophys. Space Sci. 317, 251–260, 2008) suggested using a monotonically decreasing function f to generate all possible physically viable charged analogues of Schwarzschild interior solutions analytically. They discussed some previously known and new solutions for Schwarzschild parameter u( = \fracGMc²a ) ￡ 0.142u( =\frac{GM}{c^{2}a} ) \le 0.142, a being radius of star. In this paper we investigate wide range of u by generating a class of solutions that are well behaved and suitable for modeling Neutron star charge matter. We have exploited the range u≤0.142 by considering pressure p=p(ω) and f = ( f₀(1 - \fracR²(1 - w)a²) +f_a\fracR²(1 - w)a² )f = ( f_{0}(1 - \frac{R^{2}(1 - \omega )}{a^{2}}) +f_{a}\frac{R^{2}(1 - \omega )}{a^{2}} ), where w = 1 -\fracr²R²\omega = 1 -\frac{r^{2}}{R^{2}} to explore new class of solutions. Hence, class of charged analogues of Schwarzschild interior is found for barotropic equation of state relating the radial pressure to the energy density. The analytical models thus found are well behaved with surface red shift z _s ≤0.181, central red shift z _c ≤0.282, mass to radius ratio M/a≤0.149, total charge to total mass ratio e/M≤0.807 and satisfy Andreasson’s (Commun. Math. Phys. 288, 715–730, 2009) stability condition. Red-shift, velocity of sound and p/c ² ρ are monotonically decreasing towards the surface while adiabatic index is monotonically increasing. The maximum mass found to be 1.512 M _Θ with linear dimension 14.964 km. Class of charged analogues of Schwarzschild interior discussed in this paper doesn’t have neutral counter part. These solutions completely describe interior of a stable Neutron star charge matter since at centre the charge distribution is zero, e/M≤0.807 and a typical neutral Neutron star has mass between 1.35 and about 2.1 solar mass, with a corresponding radius of about 12 km (Kiziltan et al., [astro-ph.GA], 2010).     

Accelerated expansion from?a?modified-quadratic gravity

We investigate the late-time dynamics of a four-dimensional universe based on modified scalar field gravity in which the standard Einstein-Hilbert action R is replaced by f(φ)R+f(R) where f(φ)=φ ² and f(R)=AR ²+BR _μν R ^μν,(A,B)∈ℝ. We discussed two independent cases: in the first model, the scalar field potential is quartic and for this special form it was shown that the universe is dominated by dark energy with equation of state parameter w≈−0.2 and is accelerated in time with a scale factor evolving like a(t)∝t ^5/3 and B+3A≈0.036. When, B+3A→∞ which corresponds for the purely quadratic theory, the scale factor evolves like a(t)∝t ^1/2 whereas when B+3A→0 which corresponds for the purely scalar tensor theory we found when a(t)∝t ^1.98. In the second model, we choose an exponential potential and we conjecture that the scalar curvature and the Hubble parameter vary respectively like R=hH[(f)\dot]/f,h ? \mathbbRR=\eta H\dot{\phi}/\phi,\eta\in\mathbb{R} and H=g[(f)\dot]^c,(g,c) ? \mathbbRH=\gamma\dot{\phi}^{\chi},(\gamma,\chi)\in\mathbb{R}. It was shown that for some special values of  χ, the universe is free from the initial singularity, accelerated in time, dominated by dark or phantom energy whereas the model is independent of the quadratic gravity corrections. Additional consequences are discussed.     

Limits on the changes in the gravitational constant from nucleosynthesis

Due to the recent all-sky, high-precision measurement of microwave background anisotropies by WMAP, a value for baryon-to-photon ratio η was obtained. At the WMAP value for η, the ⁴HE abundance was predicted. In this article we use a simple semi-analytical method with ⁴He predicted and measured values to place a limit on the variation of the gravitational constant G. We find using a conservative range for the measured values for Y _p , that ΔG/G is constrained between −0.26 and 0.15. If we assume a monotonic power law time dependence G∼t ^−β then β values is constrained between −0.008 and 0.0038, which translate into . This compares well with results obtained by others using full numerical analysis.      

A comparison of the spectral characteristics of the Wolf Sunspot Number (R Z) and Group Sunspot Number (R G)

The objective of this paper is to compare the spectral features of the recently derived Group Sunspot Numbers (R _G) and the traditional Wolf Sunspot Numbers (R _Z) for the 1700–1995 period. In order to study the spectral features of both time series, two methods were used, including: (a) the multitaper analysis and (b) the wavelet analysis. Well-known features of the solar variability, such as the 98.6-yr (Gleissberg cycle), 10–11-yr (Schwabe cycle) and 5-yr (second solar harmonic) periodicities were identified with high confidence using the multitaper analysis. Also observed was a larger amount of power spread in high frequencies for R _Z than for R _G spectra. Furthermore, a multitaper analysis of two subsets, A (1700–1850) and B (1851–1995), has indicated that the main differences occurred in the first subset and seem to be due to uncertainties in the early observations. The wavelet transform, which allows observing the spectra evolution of both series, showed a strong and persistent 10–11-yr signal that remained during the whole period. The Meyer Wavelet Transform was applied to both R _Z and R _G. This study indicates that the main spectral characteristics of both series are similar and that their long-term variability has the same behavior.     

Gravitational energy, momentum and angular momentum of Schwarzschild Anti-de Sitter space-times in the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity

We give a class of spherically symmetric-Anti de Sitter (Ads), exact solution in the teleparallel equivalent of general relativity (TEGR). The solution depends on an arbitrary function F(R)\mathcal{F}(R) and reproduce the metric of Schwarzschild Ads space-time. In the context of the Hamiltonian formulation of the TEGR we compute the gravitational energy of this class. The calculation is carried out by means of an expression for the energy of the gravitational field that naturally arises from the integral form of the constraint equations of the formalism. We show that the form of the energy depends on the arbitrary function. We make a constrain on this arbitrary function to give the correct form of energy.