arXiv subjects

J. -M. Alimi

Publications and source records attributed to J. -M. Alimi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2014

Elliptic solutions of generalized Brans-Dicke gravity with a non-universal coupling

We study a model of the generalized Brans-Dicke gravity presented in both the Jordan and in the Einstein frames, which are conformally related. We show that the scalar field equations in the Einstein frame are reduced to the geodesics equations on the target space of the nonlinear sigma-model. The analytical solutions in elliptical functions are obtained when the conformal couplings are given by reciprocal exponential functions. The behavior of the scale factor in the Jordan frame is studied using numerical computations. For certain parameters the solutions can describe an accelerated expansion. We also derive an analytical approximation in exponential functions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2011

Imprints of dark energy on cosmic structure formation: II) Non-Universality of the halo mass function

The universality of the halo mass function is investigated in the context of dark energy cosmologies. This widely used approximation assumes that the mass function can be expressed as a function of the matter density omega_m and the rms linear density fluctuation sigma only, with no explicit dependence on the properties of dark energy or redshift. In order to test this hypothesis we run a series of 15 high-resolution N-body simulations for different cosmological models. These consists of three LCDM cosmologies best fitting WMAP-1, 3 and 5 years data, and three toy-models characterized by a Ratra-Peebles quintessence potential with different slopes and amounts of dark energy density. These toy models have very different evolutionary histories at the background and linear level, but share the same sigma8 value. For each of these models we measure the mass function from catalogues of halos identified in the simulations using the Friend-of-Friend (FoF) algorithm. We find redshift dependent deviations from a universal behaviour, well above numerical uncertainties and of non-stochastic origin, which are correlated with the linear growth factor of the investigated cosmologies. Using the spherical collapse as guidance, we show that such deviations are caused by the cosmology dependence of the non-linear collapse and virialization process. For practical applications, we provide a fitting formula of the mass function accurate to 5 percents over the all range of investigated cosmologies. We also derive an empirical relation between the FoF linking parameter and the virial overdensity which can account for most of the deviations from an exact universal behavior. Overall these results suggest that the halo mass function contains unique cosmological information since it carries a fossil record of the past cosmic evolution.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2010

The Abnormally Weighting Energy Hypothesis: The origin of the cosmic acceleration

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2010

Dark Matter and Dark Energy from Gravitational Symmetry Breaking

We build a mechanism of gravitational symmetry breaking (GSB) of a global U(1) symmetry based on the relaxation of the equivalence principle due to the mass variation of pseudo Nambu-Goldstone dark matter (DM) particles. This GSB process is described by the modified cosmological convergence mechanism of the Abnormally Weighting Energy (AWE) Hypothesis previously introduced by the authors. Several remarkable constraints from the Hubble diagram of far-away supernovae are derived, notably on the explicit and gravitational symmetry breaking energy scales of the model. We then briefly present some consequences on neutrino masses when this mechanism is applied to the particular case of the breaking of lepton number symmetry.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2009

Imprints of Dark Energy on Cosmic Structure Formation I) Realistic Quintessence Models and the Non-Linear Matter Power Spectrum

Dark energy as a quintessence component causes a typical modification of the background cosmic expansion, which in addition to its clustering properties, can leave a potentially distinctive signature on large scale structures. Many previous studies have investigated this topic, particularly in relation to the non-linear regime of structure formation. However, no careful pre-selection of viable quintessence models with high precision cosmological data was performed. Here we show that this has led to a misinterpretation (and underestimation) of the imprint of quintessence on the distribution of large scale structures. To this purpose we perform a likelihood analysis of the combined Supernova Ia UNION dataset and WMAP5-years data to identify realistic quintessence models. Differences from the vanilla LambdaCDM are especially manifest in the predicted amplitude and shape of the linear matter power spectrum, though these remain within the uncertainties of the SDSS data. We use these models as benchmark for studying the clustering properties of dark matter halos by performing a series of high resolution N-body simulations. We find that realistic quintessence models allow for relevant differences of the dark matter distribution with the respect to the LambdaCDM scenario well into the non-linear regime, with deviations up to 40% in the non-linear power spectrum. Such differences are shown to depend on the nature of DE, as well as the scale and epoch considered. At small scales (k~1-5 h Mpc^{-1}, depending on the redshift) the structure formation process is about 20% more efficient than in LambdaCDM. We show that these imprints are a specific record of the cosmic structure formation history in DE cosmologies and therefore cannot be accounted in standard fitting functions of the non-linear matter power spectrum.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2008

The Abnormally Weighting Energy Hypothesis: the Missing Link between Dark Matter and Dark Energy

We generalize tensor-scalar theories of gravitation by the introduction of an abnormally weighting type of energy. This theory of tensor-scalar anomalous gravity is based on a relaxation of the weak equivalence principle that is now restricted to ordinary visible matter only. As a consequence, the convergence mechanism toward general relativity is modified and produces naturally cosmic acceleration as an inescapable gravitational feedback induced by the mass-variation of some invisible sector. The cosmological implications of this new theoretical framework are studied. From the Hubble diagram cosmological test \textit{alone}, this theory provides an estimation of the amount of baryons and dark matter in the Universe that is consistent with the independent cosmological tests of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and Big Bang Nucleosynthesis (BBN). Cosmic coincidence is naturally achieved from a equally natural assumption on the amplitude of the scalar coupling strength. Finally, from the adequacy to supernovae data, we derive a new intriguing relation between the space-time dependences of the gravitational coupling and the dark matter mass, providing an example of crucial constraint on microphysics from cosmology. This glimpses at an enticing new symmetry between the visible and invisible sectors, namely that the scalar charges of visible and invisible matter are exactly opposite.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Multidimensional cosmology with anisotropic fluid: acceleration and variation of G

A multidimensional cosmological model describing the dynamics of n+1 Ricci-flat factor-spaces M_i in the presence of a one-component anisotropic fluid is considered. The pressures in all spaces are proportional to the density: p_i = w_i ρ, i = 0,...,n. Solutions with accelerated expansion of our 3-space M_0 and small enough variation of the gravitational constant G are found. These solutions exist for two branches of the parameter w_0. The first branch describes superstiff matter with w_0 > 1, the second one may contain phantom matter with w_0 < - 1, e.g., when G grows with time.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

An S-brane solution with acceleration and small enough variation of G

An S-brane solution with two non-composite electric branes and a set of l scalar fields is considered. The intersection rule for branes corresponds to the Lie algebra A_2. The solution contains five factor spaces with the fifth one interpreted as ``our'' 3-dimensional space. It is shown that there exists a time interval where accelerating expansion of ``our'' 3-dimensional space is compatible with small enough value of effective gravitational ``constant'' variation.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2007

Toward a Unified Description of Dark Energy and Dark Matter from the Abnormally Weighting Energy Hypothesis

The Abnormally Weighting Energy (AWE) hypothesis consists of assuming that the dark sector of cosmology violates the weak equivalence principle (WEP) on cosmological scales, which implies a violation of the strong equivalence principle for ordinary matter. In this paper, dark energy (DE) is shown to result from the violation of WEP by pressureless (dark) matter. This allows us to build a new cosmological framework in which general relativity (GR) is satisfied at low scales, as WEP violation depends on the ratio of the ordinary matter over dark matter densities, but at large scales, we obtain a general relativity-like theory with a different value of the gravitational coupling. This explanation is formulated in terms of a tensor-scalar theory of gravitation without WEP for which there exists a revisited convergence mechanism toward GR. The consequent DE mechanism build upon the anomalous gravity of dark matter (i) does not require any violation of the strong energy condition $p<-ρc^2/3$, (ii) offers a natural way-out of the coincidence problem thanks to the non-minimal couplings to gravitation, (iii) accounts fairly for supernovae data from various very simple couplings and with density parameters very close to the ones of the concordance model $ΛCDM$, therefore suggesting an explanation to its remarkable adequacy. Finally, (iv) this mechanism ends up in the future with an Einstein-de Sitter expansion regime once the attractor is reached.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

An Awesome Hypothesis for Dark Energy : The Abnormally Weighting Energy

We introduce the Abnormally Weighting Energy (AWE) hypothesis in which dark energy (DE) is presented as a consequence of the violation of the weak equivalence principle (WEP) at cosmological scales by some dark sector. Indeed, this implies a violation of the strong equivalence principle (SEP) for ordinary matter and consequent cosmic acceleration in the observable frame as well as variation of the gravitational constant. The consequent DE mechanism build upon the AWE hypothesis (i) does not require a violation of the strong energy condition $p<-ρc^2/3$, (ii) assumes rather non-negligible direct couplings to the gravitational scalar field (iii) offers a natural convergence mechanism toward general relativity (iv) accounts fairly for supernovae data from various couplings and equations of state of the dark sector as well as density parameters very close to the ones of the concordance model $ΛCDM$. Finally (v), this AWE mechanism typically ends up with an Einstein-de Sitter expansion regime once the attractor is reached.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2006

Is Dark Energy Abnormally Weighting?

We present a new interpretation of dark energy in terms of an \textit{Abnormally Weighting Energy} (AWE). This means that dark energy does not couple to gravitation in the same way as ordinary matter, yielding a violation of the weak and strong equivalence principles on cosmological scales. The resulting cosmological mechanism accounts for the Hubble diagram of type Ia supernovae in terms of both cosmic acceleration and variation of the gravitational constant while still accounting for the present tests of general relativity. This explanation allows to build dark energy models (i) without violation of the strong energy condition $p<-ρc^2/3$ (ii) with non-negligible direct couplings to gravitation and (iii) natural convergence mechanism toward general relativity.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2006

Dark Energy as a Born-Infeld Gauge Interaction Violating the Equivalence Principle

We investigate the possibility that dark energy does not couple to gravitation in the same way than ordinary matter, yielding a violation of the weak and strong equivalence principles on cosmological scales. We build a transient mechanism in which gravitation is pushed away from general relativity by a Born-Infeld gauge interaction acting as an "Abnormally Weighting" (dark) Energy. This mechanism accounts for the Hubble diagram of far-away supernovae by cosmic acceleration and time variation of the gravitational constant while accounting naturally for the present tests on general relativity.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2006

Non-Abelian Einstein-Born-Infeld-Dilaton Cosmology

The non-abelian Einstein-Born-Infeld-Dilaton theory, which rules the dynamics of tensor-scalar gravitation coupled to a $su(2)$-valued gauge field ruled by Born-Infeld lagrangian, is studied in a cosmological framework. The microscopic energy exchange between the gauge field and the dilaton which results from a non-universality of the coupling to gravity modifies the usual behaviour of tensor-scalar theories coupled to matter fluids. General cosmological evolutions are derived for different couplings to gravitation and a comparison to universal coupling is highlighted. Evidences of cosmic acceleration are presented when the evolution is interpreted in the Jordan physical frame of a matter respecting the weak equivalence principle. The importance for the mechanism of cosmic acceleration of the dynamics of the Born-Infeld gauge field, the attraction role of the matter fluid and the non-universality of the gravitational couplings is briefly outlined.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2005

Non-singular solutions in multidimensional model with scalar fields and exponential potential

Using developed earlier our methods for multidimensional models \cite{M1,M2,M3} a family of cosmological-type solutions in D-dimensional model with two sets of scalar fields \vecϕ and \vecψ and exponential potential depending upon \vecϕ is considered. The solutions are defined on a product of n Ricci-flat spaces. The fields from \vecϕ have positive kinetic terms and \vecψ are "phantom" fields with negative kinetic terms. For vector coupling constant obeying 0< \vecλ^2 < (D-1)/(D-2) a subclass of non-singular solutions is singled out. The solutions from this subclass are regular for all values of synchronous "time" τ\in (- \infty, + \infty). For \vecλ^2 < 1/(D-2) we get an asymptotically accelerated and isotropic expansion for large values of τ.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2004

Thermodynamic evolution of the cosmological baryonic gas : II. Galaxy formation

The problem of galaxy formation and its dependence on thermodynamic properties is addressed by using Eulerian hydrodynamic numerical simulations of large scale structure formation. Global galaxy properties are explored in simulations including gravitation, shock heating and cooling processes, and following self-consistently the chemical evolution of a primordial composition hydrogen-helium plasma without assuming collisional ionization equilibrium. The galaxy formation model is mainly based on the identification of converging dense cold gas regions. We show that the evolution at low redshift of the observed cosmic star formation rate density is reproduced, and that the galaxy-like object mass function is dominated by low-mass objects. The galaxy mass functions are well described by a two power-law Schechter function whose parameters are in good agreement with observational fits of the galaxy luminosity function. The high-mass end of the galaxy mass function includes objects formed at early epochs and residing in high-mass dark matter halos whereas the low-mass end includes galaxies formed at later epochs and active in their ``stellar'' mass formation. Finally, the influence of two other physical processes, photoionization and non-equipartition processes between electrons, ions and neutrals of the cosmological plasma is discussed and the modifications on galaxy formation are examined.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2004

Multicomponent perfect fluid with variable parameters in n Ricci-flat spaces

D-dimensional cosmological model describing the evolution of a multicomponent perfect fluid with variable barotropic parameters in n Ricci-flat spaces is investigated. The equations of motion are integrated for the case, when each component possesses an isotropic pressure with respect to all spaces. Exact solutions are presented in the Kasner-like form. Some explicit examples are given: 4-dimensional model with an isotropic accelerated expansion at late times and (4+d)-dimensional model describing a compactification of extra dimensions.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2003

Thermodynamic evolution of cosmological baryonic gas: I. Influence of non-equipartition processes

Using N-body/hydrodynamic simulations, the influence of non-equipartition processes on the thermal and dynamical properties of cosmological baryonic gas is investigated. We focus on a possible departure from equilibrium between electrons, ions and neutral atoms in low temperature (10^4-10^6 K) and weakly ionized regions of the intergalactic medium. The simulations compute the energy exchanges between ions, neutrals and electrons, without assuming thermal equilibrium. They include gravitation, shock heating and cooling processes, and follow self-consistently the chemical evolution of a primordial composition hydrogen-helium plasma without assuming collisional ionization equilibrium. At high redshift, a significant fraction of the intergalactic medium is found to be warmer and weakly ionized in simulations with non-equipartition processes than in simulations in which the cosmological plasma is considered to be in thermodynamic equilibrium. With a semi-analytical study of the out of equilibrium regions we show that, during the formation of cosmic structures, departure from equilibrium in accreted plasma results from the competition between the atomic cooling processes and the elastic processes between heavy particles and electrons. Our numerical results are in agreement with this semi-analytical model. Therefore, since baryonic matter with temperatures around 10^4 K is a reservoir for galaxy formation, non-equipartition processes are expected to modify the properties of the objects formed.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

Convergence of Scalar-Tensor theories toward General Relativity and Primordial Nucleosynthesis

In this paper, we analyze the conditions for convergence toward General Relativity of scalar-tensor gravity theories defined by an arbitrary coupling function $α$ (in the Einstein frame). We show that, in general, the evolution of the scalar field $(ϕ)$ is governed by two opposite mechanisms: an attraction mechanism which tends to drive scalar-tensor models toward Einstein's theory, and a repulsion mechanism which has the contrary effect. The attraction mechanism dominates the recent epochs of the universe evolution if, and only if, the scalar field and its derivative satisfy certain boundary conditions. Since these conditions for convergence toward general relativity depend on the particular scalar-tensor theory used to describe the universe evolution, the nucleosynthesis bounds on the present value of the coupling function, $α_0$, strongly differ from some theories to others. For example, in theories defined by $α\propto \midϕ\mid$ analytical estimates lead to very stringent nucleosynthesis bounds on $α_0$ ($\lesssim 10^{-19}$). By contrast, in scalar-tensor theories defined by $α\propto ϕ$ much larger limits on $α_0$ ($\lesssim 10^{-7}$) are found.

gr-qc↗