arXiv subjects

C Sivaram

Publications and source records attributed to C Sivaram.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2025

Modification of Newtonian Gravity: Implications for Hot Gas in Clusters and Galactic Angular Momentum

In view of the negative results from various dark matter detection experiments, we had earlier proposed an alternate theoretical framework through Modification of Newtonian Gravity (MONG). Here, the Poison's equation is modified by introducing an additional gravitational self-energy density term along with the usual dark energy density term. In this work we extend this model to account for the presence of low-density gas at high temperatures (10^8 K) in the intra cluster medium (ICM) by estimating the velocities to which particles will be subjected by the modified gravitational force. Considering that the ICM is under the influence of the cluster's gravity, particle velocities of the ions in the ICM must be balanced by the cluster's gravitational force. The particle velocities obtained for various clusters from their temperature profiles match the velocity produced by the MONG gravitational force. Thus, the increase in the gravitational potential at the outskirts of galaxies balances the thermal pressure of the ICM, maintaining hydrostatic equilibrium without invoking DM. The effect of MONG on the angular momentum of galaxies is also studied by obtaining a scaling relation between the angular momentum and the mass of a galaxy. MONG predicts a higher dependence on mass in comparison to the \Lambda-CDM model. This increased dependence on mass compensates for the halo contribution to the angular momentum. The angular momentum from MONG for galaxies from the SPARC database is compared to the halo angular momentum by a Chi-square fit technique. The correlation coefficient is found to be unity, showing a replicable result.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

Can Hubble tension be eased by invoking a finite range for gravity?

The estimation of the Hubble constant in the past few decades has increasingly become more accurate with the advance of new techniques. But its value seems to depend on the epoch at which the measurements are made. The Planck estimate of the Hubble constant from the observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation in the early universe is about 67 km/s/Mpc, whereas that obtained from the distance indicators at the current epoch is about 73-74 km/s/Mpc. This discrepancy between the two groups of measurement is termed as the Hubble tension which has gained much attention in the past few decades with growing significance as measurements from both, the early and the late universe, studies continue to produce results with increasing precision. In this work, we propose a modification to gravity by considering a finite range gravitational field as an alternate explanation for this discrepancy in the value of the Hubble constant.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

MONG: An extension to galaxy clusters

The presence of dark matter, though well established by indirect evidence, is yet to be observed directly. Various dark matter detection experiments running for several years have yielded no positive results. In view of these negative results, we had earlier proposed alternate models by postulating a minimum gravitational field strength (minimum curvature) and a minimum acceleration. These postulates led to the modified Newtonian dynamics and modified Newtonian gravity (MONG). The observed flat rotation curves of galaxies were also accounted for through these postulates. Here we extend these postulates to galaxy clusters and model the dynamical velocity-distance curve for a typical cluster such as the Virgo cluster. The radial velocities of galaxies in the Virgo cluster are also obtained through this model. Observations show an inconsistency in the Hubble flow at a mean cluster distance of 17 Mpc, which is expected in regions of high matter density. This decrease in velocity is predicted by our model of modified gravity (MONG). The radial velocity versus distance relation for galaxies in the Virgo cluster obtained using MONG is in agreement with observations.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2022

The Hubble tension: Change in dark energy or a case for modified gravity?

Recently much controversy has been raised about the cosmological conundrum involving the discrepancy in the value of the Hubble constant as implied by Planck satellite observations of the CMBR in the early Universe and that deduced from other distance indicators (for instance using standard candles like supernovae, tip of the Red Giant branch, etc.) in the present epoch. The Planck estimate is about 67 km/s/Mpc, while that deduced from distance indicators at the present epoch is around 73-74 km/s/Mpc. Also the independent determination of the local value of the Hubble constant based on a calibration of the Tip of the Red Giant Branch (TRGB) and applied to Type Ia supernovae found a value of 69.8 km/s/Mpc. Here we propose a modification of the gravitational field on large scales as an alternate explanation for this discrepancy in the value of the Hubble constant as implied in the above-mentioned method, i.e., by Planck observations of the CMBR in the early Universe and that deduced from other distance indicators in the present epoch.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2022

Evolution of Primordial Dark Matter Planets in the Early Universe

In a recent paper we had discussed possibility of DM at high redshifts forming primordial planets composed entirely of DM to be one of the reasons for not detecting DM (as the flux of ambient DM particles would be consequently reduced). In this paper we discuss the evolution of these DM objects as the Universe expands. As Universe expands there will be accretion of DM, helium and hydrogen layers (discussed in detail) on these objects. As they accumulate more and more mass, the layers get heated up leading to nuclear reactions which burn H and He when a critical thickness is reached. In the case of heavier masses of these DM objects, matter can be ejected explosively. It is found that the time scale of ejection is smaller than those from other compact objects like neutron stars (that lead to x-ray bursts). These flashes of energy could be a possible observational signature for these dense DM objects.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2020

Effects of Dark Matter in Red Giants

Dark matter (DM) which constitutes five-sixths of all matter is hypothesised to be a weakly interacting non-baryonic particle, created in the early stages of cosmic evolution. It can affect various cosmic structures in the Universe via gravitational interactions. The effect of DM in main sequence stars and stellar remnants like neutron stars and white dwarfs has already been studied. Red giant phase is a late stage of the evolution of stars. In this work, we study, low-mass red giants stars with admixture of DM and how this can effectively change the intrinsic properties of red giants such as their luminosities, temperatures and lifetimes.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2019

Discrepancy in the Upper Bound Mass of Neutron Stars

Observations have indicated that we do not see neutron stars (NS) of mass near the theoretical upper limit as predicted. Here we invoke the role of dark matter (DM) particles in star formation, and their role in lowering the mass of remnants eventually formed from these stars. Massive stars can capture DM particles more effectively than the lower mass stars, thus further softening the equation of state of neutron star. We also look at the capture of DM particles by the NS, which could further soften the upper mass limit of NS. The admixture of DM particles would be higher at earlier epochs (high z).

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2019

Effects of dark matter in star formation

The standard model for the formation of structure assumes that there existed small fluctuations in the early universe that grew due to gravitational instability. The origins of these fluctuations are as yet unclear. In this work we propose the role of dark matter in providing the seed for star formation in the early universe. Very recent observations also support the role of dark matter in the formation of these first stars. With this we set observable constraints on luminosities, temperatures, and lifetimes of these early stars with an admixture of dark matter.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2018

Dark Energy Constraints on Masses and Sizes of Large Scale Cosmic Structures

The requirement that their gravitational binding self-energy density must at least equal the background repulsive dark energy density for large scale cosmic structures implies a mass-radius relation of M/R^2 ~ 1g/cm^2, as pointed out earlier. This relation seems to hold true for primeval galaxies as well as those at present epoch. This could set constraints on the nature and evolution of dark energy. Besides, we also set constraints on the size of galaxy clusters and superclusters due to the repulsive cosmological dark energy. This could indicate as to why large scale cosmic structures much larger than ~200Mpc are not seen.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2017

Alternate Models to Dark Energy

One of the unresolved questions currently in cosmology is that of the non-linear accelerated expansion of the universe. This has been attributed to the so called Dark Energy (DE). The accelerated expansion of the universe is deduced from measurements of Type Ia supernovae. Here we propose alternate models to account for the Type Ia supernovae measurements without invoking dark energy.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2017

Alternative Standard Frequencies for Interstellar Communication

The 21 cm hydrogen line is considered a favourable frequency by the SETI programme in their search for signals from potential extra-terrestrial civilizations. The Pioneer plaque, attached to the Pioneer 10 and Pioneer 11 spacecraft, portrays the hyperfine transition of neutral hydrogen and used the wavelength as a standard scale of measurement.Although this line would be universally recognized and is a suitable wavelength to look for radio signals from extraterrestrials, the presence of ubiquitous radiation from galactic hydrogen could make searches a little difficult. In this paper we suggest several alternate standard frequencies which is free of interference from atomic or molecular sources and is independent of any bias.

physics.pop-ph↗

arXiv2017

Dark matter, dark energy, and alternate models: A review

The nature of dark matter (DM) and dark energy (DE) which is supposed to constitute about 95% of the energy density of the universe is still a mystery. There is no shortage of ideas regarding the nature of both. While some candidates for DM are clearly ruled out, there is still a plethora of viable particles that fit the bill. In the context of DE, while current observations favour a cosmological constant picture, there are other competing models that are equally likely. This paper reviews the different possible candidates for DM including exotic candidates and their possible detection. This review also covers the different models for DE and the possibility of unified models for DM and DE. Keeping in mind the negative results in some of the ongoing DM detection experiments, here we also review the possible alternatives to both DM and DE (such as MOND and modifications of general relativity) and possible means of observationally distinguishing between the alternatives.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2016

Small Neutrino Masses: Another Anthropic principle aspect?

This year's Physics Nobel prize for the discovery of neutrino oscillations which resolved the problem of the missing solar neutrinos and the atmospheric muon neutrinos implies that at least one of the three neutrino species has a tiny mass. The neutrino oscillations measure the mass difference squared, and the individual neutrino masses have yet to be accurately ascertained. Particle theory has so far not given a predictive picture for neutrino masses. Here we propose that the anthropic principle may be relevant, as it is frequently invoked to understand other aspects of the universe, including the precise values of fine structure constant or nuclear coupling constant or even the proton-electron mass ratio.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2014

Primordial Black Holes as Heat Sources for Living Systems with Longest Possible Lifetimes

Just forty years ago, Hawking wrote his famous paper on primordial black holes (PBH). There have been since innumerable discussions on the consequences of the existence of such exotic objects and ramifications of their properties. Here we suggest that PBH's in an ever expanding universe (as implied by dark energy domination, especially of a cosmological constant) could be the ultimate repository for long lived living systems. PBH's having solar surface temperatures would last 10^32 years as a steady power source and should be considered in any discussion on exobiological life.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2013

Gravity of Accelerations on Quantum Scales and its Consequences

Gravity stands apart from other fundamental interactions in that it is locally equivalent to an accelerated frame and can be transformed away. Again it is indistinguishable from the geometry of space-time (which is an arena for all other basic interactions), its strength being linked with the curvature. This is a major reason why it has so far not been amenable to quantisation like other interactions. It is also evident that new ideas are required to resolve several conundrums in areas like cosmology, black hole physics, and particles at high energies. That gravity can have strong coupling at microscales has also been suggested in several contexts earlier. Here we develop some of these ideas, especially in connection with the high accelerations experienced by particles at microscales, which would be interpreted as strong local gravitational fields. The consequences are developed for various situations and possible experimental manifestations are discussed.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2011

Hydrodynamics, Vortices and Angular Momenta of Celestial Objects

The current observational evidences suggest there are about hundred billion galaxies in the observable universe and within each, on an average, about hundred billion stars. But no cosmological model indicates as to why there are these many galaxies and stars. In this paper we invoke the property of non-irrotational hydrodynamic flow in order to explain how a primordial rotation (as considered in a recent paper) of the universe broken up into vortex line structures, can indeed lead to formation of a large number of galactic structures and these in turn can lead to equally large number of stars within each galaxy.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2011

Primordial Rotation of the Universe and Angular Momentum of a wide range of Celestial Objects

The origin of rotation or spin of objects, from stars to galaxies, is still an unanswered question. Even though there are models which try to explain this, none of them can account for the initial impulse that gave rise to this spin. In this paper we present that a cosmological model that contains a term involving the primordial spin of the universe can explain how these objects acquired the property of spin. This model also gives a natural explanation for the quadratic scaling of angular momentum with mass. Again, from this model, the background torsion due to a universal spin density not only give rise to angular momenta for all structures but also provide a background 'centrifugal term' acting as a repulsive gravity accelerating the universe, with spin density acting as effective cosmological constant.

physics.gen-ph↗

arXiv2010

Enigmatic Aspects of the Early Universe: Possibility of a 'Pre-Big Bang Phase'!

In this paper it is suggested that inclusion of mutual gravitational interactions among the particles in the early dense universe can lead to a 'pre-big bang' scenario, with particle masses greater than the Planck mass implying an accelerating phase of the universe, which then goes into the radiation phase when the masses fall below the Planck mass. The existence of towers of states of such massive particles (i.e. multiples of Planck mass) as implied in various unified theories, provides rapid acceleration in the early universe, similar to the usual inflation scenario, but here the expansion rate goes over 'smoothly' to the radiation dominated universe when temperature becomes lower than the Planck temperature.

physics.gen-ph↗