arXiv subjects

Damianos Iosifidis

Publications and source records attributed to Damianos Iosifidis.

51 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Solving Linear Tensor Equations

We develop a systematic way to solve linear equations involving tensors of arbitrary rank. We start off with the case of a rank $3$ tensor, which appears in many applications, and after finding the condition for a unique solution we derive this solution. Subsequently we generalize our result to tensors of arbitrary rank. Finally we consider a generalized version of the former case of rank $3$ tensors and extend the result when the tensor traces are also included.

math-ph↗

arXiv2021

Metric-Affine Version of Myrzakulov $F(R,T,Q, {\cal T})$ Gravity and Cosmological Applications

We derive the full set of field equations for the Metric-Affine version of the Myrzakulov gravity model and also extend this family of theories to a broader one. More specifically, we consider theories whose gravitational Lagrangian is given by $F(R,T,Q, {\cal T},{\cal D})$ where $T$, $Q$ are the torsion and non-metricity scalars, ${\cal T}$ is the trace of the energy-momentum tensor and ${\cal D}$ the divergence of the dilation current. We then consider the linear case of the aforementioned theory and assuming a cosmological setup we obtain the modified Friedmann equations. In addition, focusing on the vanishing non-metricity sector and considering matter coupled to torsion we obtain the complete set of equations describing the cosmological behaviour of this model along with solutions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

The Cosmology of Quadratic Torsionful Gravity

We study the cosmology of a quadratic metric-compatible torsionful gravity theory in the presence of a perfect hyperfluid. The gravitational action is an extension of the Einstein-Cartan theory given by the usual Einstein-Hilbert contribution plus all the admitted quadratic parity even torsion scalars and the matter action also exhibits a dependence on the connection. The equations of motion are obtained by regarding the metric and the metric-compatible torsionful connection as independent variables. We then consider a Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker background, analyze the conservation laws, and derive the torsion modified Friedmann equations for our theory. Remarkably, we are able to provide exact analytic solutions for the torsionful cosmology.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2021

The Perfect Hyperfluid of Metric-Affine Gravity: The Foundation

We set the foundation and formulate the Perfect (Ideal) Hyperfluid. The latter represents the natural generalization of the usual perfect fluid structure where now the microscopic characteristics of matter (spin, shear, dilation) are also taken into account, sourcing a non-Riemannian arena (i.e spacetime torsion and non-metricity) for Metric-Affine Gravity. We derive the energy tensors of this Hyperfluid structure and subsequently present the conservation laws obeyed by them. Finally, we consider a Cosmological application of this Perfect Hyperfluid and classify some possible forms of this fluid structure.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

Non-Riemannian Cosmology: The role of Shear Hypermomentum

We consider the usual Einstein-Hilbert action in a Metric-Affine setup and in the presence of a Perfect Hyperfluid. In order to decode the role of shear hypermomentum, we impose vanishing spin and dilation parts on the sources and allow only for non-vanishing shear. We then consider an FLRW background and derive the generalized Friedmann equations in the presence of shear hypermomentum. By providing one equation of state among the shear variables we study the cases for which shear has an accelerating/decelerating effect on Universe's expansion. In particular, we see that shear offers a possibility to prevent the initial singularity formation. We also provide some exact solutions in the shear dominated era and discuss the physical significance of the shear current.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

Parity Violating Metric-Affine Gravity Theories

We study a parity violating Metric-Affine gravitational theory given by the Einstein-Hilbert action plus the so-called Holst term in vacuum. We find out that for a certain value of the Barbero-Immirzi parameter the total action possesses a remarkable invariance under particular transformations of the affine connection. We prove that in all cases, with appropriate gauge choices, the connection reduces to the Levi-Civita one and that the theory turns out to be equivalent to general relativity in vacuum. Subsequently, we generalize our discussion and analyze the case of Metric-Affine $f(R)$ gravity plus the Holst term. In particular, we show that for $f'(R) \neq \text{constant}$ the theory results to be on-shell equivalent to a metric-compatible torsionless Scalar-Tensor model. Matter coupling of the aforementioned models is also discussed, together with explicit examples and applications.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

Cosmological Hyperfluids, Torsion and Non-metricity

We develop a novel model for Cosmological Hyperfluids, that is fluids with intrinsic hypermomentum that induce spacetime torsion and non-metricity. Imposing the Cosmological Principle to Metric-Affine Spaces, we present the most general covariant form of the hypermomentum tensor in an FLRW Universe along with its conservation laws and therefore construct a novel hyperfluid model for Cosmological purposes. Extending the previous model of the unconstrained hyperfluid in a Cosmological setting we establish the conservation laws for energy-momentum and hypermomentum and therefore provide the complete Cosmological setup to study non-Riemannian effects in Cosmology. With the help of this we find the forms of torsion and non-metricity that were earlier reported in the literature and also obtain the most general form of the Friedmann equations with torsion and non-metricity. We also discuss some applications of our model, make contact with the known results in the literature and point to future directions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2020

Linear Transformations on Affine-Connections

We state and prove a simple Theorem that allows one to generate invariant quantities in Metric-Affine Geometry, under a given transformation of the affine connection. We start by a general functional of the metric and the connection and consider transformations of the affine connection possessing a certain symmetry. We show that the initial functional is invariant under the aforementioned group of transformations iff its $Γ$-variation produces tensor of a given symmetry. Conversely if the tensor produced by the $Γ$-variation of the functional respects a certain symmetry then the functional is invariant under the associated transformation of the affine connection. We then apply our results in Metric-Affine Gravity and produce invariant actions under certain transformations of the affine connection. Finally, we derive the constraints put on the hypermomentum for such invariant Theories.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

General Teleparallel Quadratic Gravity

In this Letter we consider a general quadratic parity-preserving theory for a general flat connection. Imposing a local symmetry under the general linear group singles out the general teleparallel equivalent of General Relativity carrying both torsion and non-metricity. We provide a detailed discussion on the teleparallel equivalents of General Relativity and how the two known equivalents, formulated on Weitzenböck and symmetric teleparallel geometries respectively, can be interpreted as two gauge-fixed versions of the general teleparallel equivalent. We then explore the viability of the general quadratic theory by studying the spectrum around Minkowski. The linear theory generally contains two symmetric rank-2 fields plus a 2-form and, consequently, extra gauge symmetries are required to obtain potentially viable theories.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

Exactly Solvable Connections in Metric-Affine Gravity

This article presents a systematic way to solve for the Affine Connection in Metric-Affine Geometry. We start by adding to the Einstein-Hilbert action, a general action that is linear in the connection and its partial derivatives and respects projective invariance. We then generalize the result for Metric-Affine f(R) Theories. Finally, we generalize even further and add an action (to the Einstein-Hilbert) that has an arbitrary dependence on the connection and its partial derivatives. We wrap up our results as three consecutive Theorems. We then apply our Theorems to some simple examples in order to illustrate how the procedure works and also discuss the cases of dynamical/non-dynamical connections.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2019

Metric-Affine Gravity and Cosmology/Aspects of Torsion and non-Metricity in Gravity Theories

This Thesis is devoted to the study of Metric-Affine Theories of Gravity and Applications to Cosmology. The thesis is organized as follows. In the first Chapter we define the various geometrical quantities that characterize a non-Riemannian geometry. In the second Chapter we explore the MAG model building. In Chapter 3 we use a well known procedure to excite torsional degrees of freedom by coupling surface terms to scalars. Then, in Chapter 4 which seems to be the most important Chapter of the thesis, at least with regards to its use in applications, we present a step by step way to solve for the affine connection in non-Riemannian geometries, for the first time in the literature. A peculiar f(R) case is studied in Chapter 5. This is the conformally (as well as projective invariant) invariant theory f(R)=a R^{2} which contains an undetermined scalar degree of freedom. We then turn our attention to Cosmology with torsion and non-metricity (Chapter 6). In Chapter 7, we formulate the necessary setup for the $1+3$ splitting of the generalized spacetime. Having clarified the subtle points (that generally stem from non-metricity) in the aforementioned formulation we carefully derive the generalized Raychaudhuri equation in the presence of both torsion and non-metricity (along with curvature). This, as it stands, is the most general form of the Raychaudhuri equation that exists in the literature. We close this Thesis by considering three possible scale transformations that one can consider in Metric-Affine Geometry.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

The Raychaudhuri equation in spacetimes with torsion and non-metricity

We introduce and develop the 1+3 covariant approach to relativity and cosmology to spacetimes of arbitrary dimensions that have nonzero torsion and do not satisfy the metricity condition. Focusing on timelike observers, we identify and discuss the main differences between their kinematics and those of their counterparts living in standard Riemannian spacetimes. At the centre of our analysis lies the Raychaudhuri equation, which is the fundamental formula monitoring the convergence/divergence, namely the collapse/expansion, of timelike worldline congruences. To the best of our knowledge, we provide the most general expression so far of the Raychaudhuri equation, with applications to an extensive range of non-standard astrophysical and cosmological studies. Assuming that metricity holds, but allowing for nonzero torsion, we recover the results of analogous previous treatments. Focusing on non-metricity alone, we identify a host of effects that depend on the nature of the timelike congruence and on the type of the adopted non-metricity. We also demonstrate that in spaces of high symmetry one can recover the pure-torsion results from their pure non-metricity analogues, and vice-versa, via a simple ansatz between torsion and non-metricity.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Scale transformations in metric-affine geometry

This article presents an exhaustive classification of metric-affine theories according to their scale symmetries. First it is clarified that there are three relevant definitions of a scale transformation. These correspond to a projective transformation of the connection, a rescaling of the orthonormal frame, and a combination of the two. The most general second order quadratic metric-affine action, including the parity-violating terms, is constructed in each of the three cases. The results can be straightforwardly generalised by including higher derivatives, and implemented in the general metric-affine, teleparallel, and symmetric teleparallel geometries.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2018

Torsion/non-metricity duality in f(R) gravity

Torsion and nonmetricity are inherent ingredients in modifications of Eintein's gravity that are based on affine spacetime geometries. In the context of pure f(R) gravity we discuss here, in some detail, the relatively unnoticed duality between torsion and nonmetricity. In particular we show that for R2 gravity torsion and nonmetricity are related by projective transformations. Since the latter correspond simply to redefining the affine parameters of autoparallels, we conclude that torsion and nonmetricity are physically equivalent properties of spacetime. As a simple example we show that both torsion and nonmetricity can act as geometric sources of accelerated expansion in a spatially homogenous cosmological model within R2 gravity and we brie y discuss possible implications of our results.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Self tuning scalar tensor black holes

Studying a certain sub class of higher order Horndeski (scalar-tensor) theories we discuss a method discovered recently permitting analytic black hole solutions with a non trivial and regular scalar field. One of the solutions found has de Sitter asymptotics and self tunes the bulk cosmological constant. Using the aforementioned method we find and analyse new black hole solutions which can also have de Sitter asymptotics. By looking at small deviations of the integration constant responsible for self tuning we discuss the robustness of the self tuning mechanism. We find that neighboring solutions to the one previously found present also self tuning properties with unaltered effective cosmological constant.

gr-qc↗