arXiv subjects

A. A. Coley

Publications and source records attributed to A. A. Coley.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Teleparallel Theories of Gravity: Illuminating a Fully Invariant Approach

Teleparallel gravity and its popular generalization $f(T)$ gravity can be formulated as fully invariant (under both coordinate transformations and local Lorentz transformations) theories of gravity. Several misconceptions about teleparallel gravity and its generalizations can be found in the literature, especially regarding their local Lorentz invariance. We describe how these misunderstandings may have arisen and attempt to clarify the situation. In particular, the central point of confusion in the literature appears to be related to the inertial spin connection in teleparallel gravity models. While inertial spin connections are commonplace in special relativity, and not something inherent to teleparallel gravity, the role of the inertial spin connection in removing the spurious inertial effects within a given frame of reference is emphasized here. The careful consideration of the inertial spin connection leads to the construction of a fully invariant theory of teleparallel gravity and its generalizations. Indeed, it is the nature of the spin connection that differentiates the relationship between what have been called good tetrads and bad tetrads and clearly shows that, in principle, any tetrad can be utilized. The field equations for the fully invariant formulation of teleparallel gravity and its generalizations are presented and a number of examples using different assumptions on the frame and spin connection are displayed to illustrate the covariant procedure. Various modified teleparallel gravity models are also briefly reviewed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

Spatial Curvature in Cosmology Revisited

It is necessary to make assumptions in order to derive models to be used for cosmological predictions and comparison with observational data. In particular, in standard cosmology the spatial curvature is assumed to be constant and zero (or at least very small). But there is, as yet, no fully independent constraint with an appropriate accuracy that gaurentees a value for the magnitude of the effective normalized spatial curvature $Ω_{k}$ of less than approximately $0.01$. Moreover, a small non-zero measurement of $Ω_{k}$ at such a level perhaps indicates that the assumptions in the standard model are not satisfied. It has also been increasingly emphasised that spatial curvature is, in general, evolving in relativistic cosmological models. We review the current situation, and conclude that the possibility of such a non-zero value of $Ω_k$ should be taken seriously.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Geometric Horizons in the Kastor-Traschen Multi Black Hole Solutions

We investigate the existence of invariantly defined quasi-local hypersurfaces in the Kastor-Traschen solution containing $N$ charge-equal-to-mass black holes. These hypersurfaces are characterized by the vanishing of particular curvature invariants, known as Cartan invariants, which are generated using the frame approach. The Cartan invariants of interest describe the expansion of the outgoing and ingoing null vectors belonging to the invariant null frame arising from the Cartan-Karlhede algorithm. We show that the evolution of the hypersurfaces surrounding the black holes depends on an upper-bound on the total mass for the case of two and three equal mass black holes. We discuss the results in the context of the geometric horizon conjectures.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Kantowski-Sachs Einstein-Aether Scalar Field Cosmological Models

A class of positive curvature spatially homogeneous but anisotropic cosmological models within an Einstein-aether gravitational framework are investigated. The matter source is assumed to be a scalar field which is coupled to the expansion of the aether field through a generalized exponential potential. The evolution equations are expressed in terms of expansion-normalized variables to produce an autonomous system of ordinary differential equations suitable for a numerical and qualitative analysis. An analysis of the local stability of the equilibrium points indicates that there exists a range of values of the parameters in which there exists an accelerating expansionary future attractor. In general relativity, scalar field models with an exponential potential $V=V_0e^{-2kϕ}$ have a late-time inflationary attractor for $k^2<\frac{1}{2}$; however, it is found that the existence of the coupling between the aether and scalar fields allows for arbitrarily large values of the parameter $k$.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Spatially Homogeneous Einstein-Aether Cosmological Models: Scalar Fields with a Generalized Harmonic Potential

Inflationary spatially homogeneous cosmological models within an Einstein-Aether gravitational framework are investigated. The matter source is assumed to be a scalar field which is coupled to the aether field expansion and shear scalars through the generalized harmonic scalar field potential. The evolution equations are expressed in terms of expansion-normalized variables to produce an autonomous system of ordinary differential equations suitable for numerical and local stability analysis. An analysis of the local stability of the equilibrium points indicate that there exists a range of values of the parameters in which there exists an accelerating expansionary future attractor.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

The Cartan Algorithm in Five Dimensions

In this paper we introduce an algorithm to determine the equivalence of five dimensional spacetimes, which generalizes the Karlhede algorithm for four dimensional general relativity. As an alternative to the Petrov type classification, we employ the alignment classification to algebraically classify the Weyl tensor. To illustrate the algorithm we discuss three examples: the singly rotating Myers-Perry solution, the Kerr (anti) de Sitter solution, and the rotating black ring solution. We briefly discuss some applications of the Cartan algorithm in five dimensions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Horizon Detection and Higher Dimensional Black Rings

In this paper we study the stationary horizons of the rotating black ring and the supersymmetric black ring spacetimes in five dimensions. In the case of the rotating black ring we use Weyl aligned null directions to algebraically classify the Weyl tensor, and utilize an adapted Cartan algorithm in order to produce Cartan invariants. For the supersymmetric black ring we employ the discriminant approach and repeat the adapted Cartan algorithm. For both of these metrics we are able to construct Cartan invariants that detect the horizon alone, and which are easier to compute and analyse that scalar polynomial curvature invariants.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2017

Testing averaged cosmology with type Ia supernovae and BAO data

An important problem in precision cosmology is the determination of the effects of averaging and backreaction on observational predictions, particularly in view of the wealth of new observational data and improved statistical techniques. In this paper, we discuss the observational viability of a class of averaged cosmologies which consist of a simple parametrized phenomenological two-scale backreaction model with decoupled spatial curvature parameters. We perform a Bayesian model selection analysis and find that this class of averaged phenomenological cosmological models is favored with respect to the standard $Λ$CDM cosmological scenario when a joint analysis of current SNe Ia and BAO data is performed. In particular, the analysis provides observational evidence for non-trivial spatial curvature.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2016

On scalar curvature invariants in three dimensional spacetimes

We wish to construct a minimal set of algebraically independent scalar curvature invariants formed by the contraction of the Riemann (Ricci) tensor and its covariant derivatives up to some order of differentiation in three dimensional (3D) Lorentzian spacetimes. In order to do this we utilize the Cartan-Karlhede equivalence algorithm since, in general, all Cartan invariants are related to scalar polynomial curvature invariants. As an example we apply the algorithm to the class of 3D Szekeres cosmological spacetimes with comoving dust and cosmological constant $Λ$. In this case, we find that there are at most twelve algebraically independent Cartan invariants, including $Λ$. We present these Cartan invariants, and we relate them to twelve independent scalar polynomial curvature invariants (two, four and six, respectively, zeroth, first, and second order scalar polynomial curvature invariants).

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Is there proof that backreaction of inhomogeneities is irrelevant in cosmology?

No. In a number of papers Green and Wald argue that the standard FLRW model approximates our Universe extremely well on all scales, except close to strong field astrophysical objects. In particular, they argue that the effect of inhomogeneities on average properties of the Universe (backreaction) is irrelevant. We show that this latter claim is not valid. Specifically, we demonstrate, referring to their recent review paper, that (i) their two-dimensional example used to illustrate the fitting problem differs from the actual problem in important respects, and it assumes what is to be proven; (ii) the proof of the trace-free property of backreaction is unphysical and the theorem about it fails to be a mathematically general statement; (iii) the scheme that underlies the trace-free theorem does not involve averaging and therefore does not capture crucial non-local effects; (iv) their arguments are to a large extent coordinate-dependent, and (v) many of their criticisms of backreaction frameworks do not apply to the published definitions of these frameworks. It is therefore incorrect to infer that Green and Wald have proven a general result that addresses the essential physical questions of backreaction in cosmology.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Basis for scalar curvature invariants in three dimensions

$\mathcal{I}$-non-degenerate spaces are spacetimes that can be characterized uniquely by their scalar curvature invariants. The ultimate goal of the current work is to construct a basis for the scalar polynomial curvature invariants in three dimensional Lorentzian spacetimes. In particular, we seek a minimal set of algebraically independent scalar curvature invariants formed by the contraction of the Riemann tensor and its covariant derivatives up to fifth order of differentiation. We use the computer software \emph{Invar} to calculate an overdetermined basis of scalar curvature invariants in three dimensions. We also discuss the equivalence method and the Karlhede algorithm for computing Cartan invariants in three dimensions.

math.DG↗

arXiv2011

Algebraic classification of five-dimensional spacetimes using scalar invariants

There are a number of algebraic classifications of spacetimes in higher dimensions utilizing alignment theory, bivectors and discriminants. Previous work gave a set of necessary conditions in terms of discriminants for a spacetime to be of a particular algebraic type. We demonstrate the discriminant approach by applying the techniques to the Sorkin-Gross-Perry soliton, the supersymmetric and doubly-spinning black rings and some other higher dimensional spacetimes. We show that even in the case of some very complicated metrics it is possible to compute the relevant discriminants and extract useful information from them.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

Persistence of black holes through a cosmological bounce

We discuss whether black holes could persist in a universe which recollapses and then bounces into a new expansion phase. Whether the bounce is of classical or quantum gravitational origin, such cosmological models are of great current interest. In particular, we investigate the mass range in which black holes might survive a bounce and ways of differentiating observationally between black holes formed just after and just before the last bounce. We also discuss the consequences of the universe going through a sequence of dimensional changes as it passes through a bounce.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2009

Properties of kinematic singularities

The locally rotationally symmetric tilted perfect fluid Bianchi type V cosmological model provides examples of future geodesically complete spacetimes that admit a `kinematic singularity' at which the fluid congruence is inextendible but all frame components of the Weyl and Ricci tensors remain bounded. We show that for any positive integer n there are examples of Bianchi type V spacetimes admitting a kinematic singularity such that the covariant derivatives of the Weyl and Ricci tensors up to the n-th order also stay bounded. We briefly discuss singularities in classical spacetimes.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

Averaging in cosmological models using scalars

The averaging problem in cosmology is of considerable importance for the correct interpretation of cosmological data. A rigorous mathematical definition of averaging in a cosmological model is necessary. In general, a spacetime is completely characterized by its scalar curvature invariants, and this suggests a particular spacetime averaging scheme based entirely on scalars. We clearly identify the problems of averaging in a cosmological model. We then present a precise definition of a cosmological model, and based upon this definition, we propose an averaging scheme in terms of scalar curvature invariants. This scheme is illustrated in a simple static spherically symmetric perfect fluid cosmological spacetime, where the averaging scales are clearly identified.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2009

Cosmological Observations: Averaging on the Null Cone

The universe is not isotropic or spatially homogeneous on local scales. The averaging of local inhomogeneities in general relativity can lead to significant dynamical effects on the evolution of the universe and on the interpretation of cosmological data. In particular, all deductions about cosmology are based on light paths; averaging can have an important effect on photon propagation and hence cosmological observations. It would be desirable to describe the physical effects of averaging in terms of observational quantities and focussing on the behaviour of light. Data (e.g., matter terms, such as the density or galaxy number counts, which are already expressed as averaged quantities) is given on the null cone. Therefore, it is observationally meaningful to consider light-cone averages of quantities. In principle, we wish to describe the cosmological equations on the null cone, and hence we need to construct the averaged geometry on the null cone. However, we argue that it is still necessary to average the full Einstein field equations to obtain suitably averaged equations on the null cone. Since it is not the geometry per se that appears in the observational relations, we discuss whether it is possible to covariantly `average' just a subset of the evolution equations on the null cone, focussing on relevant observational quantities. We present an averaged version of the scalar null Raychaudhuri equation, which may be a useful first step in this regard.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2008

Null geodesics and observational cosmology

The Universe is not isotropic or spatially homogeneous on local scales. The averaging of local inhomogeneities in general relativity can lead to significant dynamical effects on the evolution of the Universe, and even if the effects are at the 1% level they must be taken into account in a proper interpretation of cosmological observations. We discuss the effects that averaging (and inhomogeneities in general) can have on the dynamical evolution of the Universe and the interpretation of cosmological data. All deductions about cosmology are based on the paths of photons. We discuss some qualitative aspects of the motion of photons in an averaged geometry, particularly within the context of the luminosity distance-redshift relation in the simple case of spherical symmetry.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Metrics With Vanishing Quantum Corrections

We investigate solutions of the classical Einstein or supergravity equations that solve any set of quantum corrected Einstein equations in which the Einstein tensor plus a multiple of the metric is equated to a symmetric conserved tensor $T_{μν}$ constructed from sums of terms the involving contractions of the metric and powers of arbitrary covariant derivatives of the curvature tensor. A classical solution, such as an Einstein metric, is called {\it universal} if, when evaluated on that Einstein metric, $T_{μν}$ is a multiple of the metric. A Ricci flat classical solution is called {\it strongly universal} if, when evaluated on that Ricci flat metric, $T_{μν}$ vanishes. It is well known that pp-waves in four spacetime dimensions are strongly universal. We focus attention on a natural generalisation; Einstein metrics with holonomy ${\rm Sim} (n-2)$ in which all scalar invariants are zero or constant. In four dimensions we demonstrate that the generalised Ghanam-Thompson metric is weakly universal and that the Goldberg-Kerr metric is strongly universal; indeed, we show that universality extends to all 4-dimensional ${\rm Sim}(2)$ Einstein metrics. We also discuss generalizations to higher dimensions.

hep-th↗