arXiv subjects

Tiberiu Harko

Publications and source records attributed to Tiberiu Harko.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources

arXiv2015

Thin accretion disks around cold Bose-Einstein Condensate stars

Due to their superfluid properties some compact astrophysical objects, like neutron or quark stars, may contain a significant part of their matter in the form of a Bose-Einstein Condensate. Observationally distinguishing between neutron/quark stars and Bose-Einstein Condensate stars is a major challenge for this latter theoretical model. An observational possibility of indirectly distinguishing Bose-Einstein Condensate stars from neutron/quark stars is through the study of the thin accretion disks around compact general relativistic objects. In the present paper, we perform a detailed comparative study of the electromagnetic and thermodynamic properties of the thin accretion disks around rapidly rotating Bose-Einstein Condensate stars, neutron stars and quark stars, respectively. Due to the differences in the exterior geometry, the thermodynamic and electromagnetic properties of the disks (energy flux, temperature distribution, equilibrium radiation spectrum and efficiency of energy conversion) are different for these classes of compact objects. Hence in this preliminary study we have pointed out some astrophysical signatures that may allow to observationally discriminate between Bose-Einstein Condensate stars and neutron/quark stars, respectively.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Jacobi stability analysis of the Lorenz system

We perform the study of the stability of the Lorenz system by using the Jacobi stability analysis, or the Kosambi-Cartan-Chern (KCC) theory. The Lorenz model plays an important role for understanding hydrodynamic instabilities and the nature of the turbulence, also representing a non-trivial testing object for studying non-linear effects. The KCC theory represents a powerful mathematical method for the analysis of dynamical systems. In this approach we describe the evolution of the Lorenz system in geometric terms, by considering it as a geodesic in a Finsler space. By associating a non-linear connection and a Berwald type connection, five geometrical invariants are obtained, with the second invariant giving the Jacobi stability of the system. The Jacobi (in)stability is a natural generalization of the (in)stability of the geodesic flow on a differentiable manifold endowed with a metric (Riemannian or Finslerian) to the non-metric setting. In order to apply the KCC theory we reformulate the Lorenz system as a set of two second order non-linear differential equations. The geometric invariants associated to this system (nonlinear and Berwald connections), and the deviation curvature tensor, as well as its eigenvalues, are explicitly obtained. The Jacobi stability of the equilibrium points of the Lorenz system is studied, and the condition of the stability of the equilibrium points is obtained. Finally, we consider the time evolution of the components of the deviation vector near the equilibrium points.

math-ph↗

arXiv2015

Superconducting dark energy

Based on the analogy with superconductor physics we consider a scalar-vector-tensor gravitational model, in which the dark energy action is described by a gauge invariant electromagnetic type functional. By assuming that the ground state of the dark energy is in a form of a condensate with the U(1) symmetry spontaneously broken, the gauge invariant electromagnetic dark energy can be described in terms of the combination of a vector and of a scalar field (corresponding to the Goldstone boson), respectively. The gravitational field equations are obtained by also assuming the possibility of a non-minimal coupling between the cosmological mass current and the superconducting dark energy. The cosmological implications of the dark energy model are investigated for a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker homogeneous and isotropic geometry for two particular choices of the electromagnetic type potential, corresponding to a pure electric type field, and to a pure magnetic field, respectively. The time evolution of the scale factor, matter energy density and deceleration parameter are obtained for both cases, and it is shown that in the presence of the superconducting dark energy the Universe ends its evolution in an exponentially accelerating vacuum de Sitter state. By using the formalism of the irreversible thermodynamic processes for open systems we interpret the generalized conservation equations in the superconducting dark energy model as describing matter creation. The particle production rates, the creation pressure and the entropy evolution are explicitly obtained.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2015

Self Organized Criticality in an one dimensional magnetized grid. Application to GRB X-ray afterglows

A simplified one dimensional grid is used to model the evolution of magnetized plasma flow. We implement diffusion laws similar to those so-far used to model magnetic reconnection with Cellular Automata. As a novelty, we also explicitly superimpose a background flow. The aim is to numerically investigate the possibility that Self-Organized Criticality appears in a one dimensional magnetized flow. The cellular automaton's cells store information about the parameter relevant to the evolution of the system being modelled. Under the assumption that this parameter stands for the magnetic field, the magnetic energy released by one volume during one individual relaxation event is also computed. Our results show that indeed in this system Self-Organized Criticality is established. The possible applications of this model to the study of the X-ray afterglows of GRBs is also briefly considered.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Lumpy cosmic strings

We outline a model of abelian-Higgs strings with variable scalar and vector core radii. In general, the functions determining the time and position-dependent core widths may be expressed as arbitrary left or right movers, of which the usual constant values are a particular solution. In this case the string may carry momentum, even if the embedding of its central axis remains fixed, and the resulting objects resemble "necklaces". Some possible astrophysical applications of lumpy strings, including as potential engines for anomalous gamma ray bursts, are also discussed.

hep-th↗

arXiv2014

$f(T,\mathcal{T})$ gravity and cosmology

We present an extension of $f(T)$ gravity, allowing for a general coupling of the torsion scalar $T$ with the trace of the matter energy-momentum tensor $\mathcal{T}$. The resulting $f(T,\mathcal{T})$ theory is a new modified gravity, since it is different from all the existing torsion or curvature based constructions. Applied to a cosmological framework, it leads to interesting phenomenology. In particular, one can obtain a unified description of the initial inflationary phase, the subsequent non-accelerating, matter-dominated expansion, and then the transition to a late-time accelerating phase. Additionally, the effective dark energy sector can be quintessence or phantom-like, or exhibit the phantom-divide crossing during the evolution. Moreover, in the far future the universe results either to a de Sitter exponential expansion, or to eternal power-law accelerated expansions. Finally, a detailed study of the scalar perturbations at the linear level reveals that $f(T,\mathcal{T})$ cosmology can be free of ghosts and instabilities for a wide class of ansatzes and model parameters.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Wormhole geometries supported by quark matter at ultra-high densities

A fundamental ingredient in wormhole physics is the presence of exotic matter, which involves the violation of the null energy condition. In this context, we investigate the possibility that wormholes could be supported by quark matter at extreme densities. Theoretical and experimental investigations of the structure of baryons show that strange quark matter, consisting of the u, d and s quarks, is the most energetically favorable state of baryonic matter. Moreover, at ultra-high densities, quark matter may exist in a variety of superconducting states, namely, the Color-Flavor-Locked (CFL) phase. Motivated by these theoretical models, we explore the conditions under which wormhole geometries may be supported by the equations of state considered in the theoretical investigations of quark-gluon interactions. For the description of the normal quark matter we adopt the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) bag model equation of state, while the color superconducting quark phases are described by a first order approximation of the free energy. By assuming specific forms for the bag and gap functions, several wormhole models are obtained for both normal and superconducting quark matter. The effects of the presence of an electrical charge are also taken into account.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Bianchi type I cosmological models in Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld gravity

We consider the dynamics of a barotropic cosmological fluid in an anisotropic, Bianchi type I space-time in Eddington-inspired Born-Infeld (EiBI) gravity. By assuming an isotropic pressure distribution, we obtain the general solution of the field equations in an exact parametric form. The behavior of the geometric and thermodynamic parameters of the Bianchi type I Universe is studied, by using both analytical and numerical methods, for some classes of high density matter, described by the stiff causal, radiation, and pressureless fluid equations of state. In all cases the study of the models with different equations of state can be reduced to the integration of a highly nonlinear second order ordinary differential equation for the energy density. The time evolution of the anisotropic Bianchi type I Universe strongly depends on the initial values of the energy density and of the Hubble function. An important observational parameter, the mean anisotropy parameter is also studied in detail, and we show that for the dust filled Universe the cosmological evolution always ends into an isotropic phase, while for high density matter filled universes the isotropization of Bianchi type I universes is essentially determined by the initial conditions of the energy density.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

The scalar Einstein-aether theory

We consider an Einstein-aether type Lorentz-violating theory of gravity in which the aether vector field $V_{μ}$ is represented as the gradient of a scalar field $ϕ$, $V_{μ}=\nabla _{μ}ϕ$. A self interacting potential for the scalar aether field is considered, as well as the possibility of a coupling between the hydrodynamic matter flux and the aether field, with the imposition of the timelike nature of the aether vector. The gravitational field equations and the equation of motion of the scalar field are derived by varying the action with respect to the metric and $ϕ$. In the absence of matter flux and scalar field coupling the effective energy-momentum tensor of the scalar aether is conserved. The matter flux-aether coupling generates an extra force acting on massive test particles and consequently the motion becomes non-geodesic. The Newtonian limit of the theory is investigated and the generalized Poisson equation for weak gravitational fields is obtained. The cosmological implications of the theory is also considered and it is shown that in the framework of the Scalar Einstein-aether theory both decelerating and accelerating cosmological models can be constructed.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Travelling wave solutions of the reaction-diffusion mathematical model of glioblastoma growth: An Abel equation based approach

We consider quasi-stationary (travelling wave type) solutions to a nonlinear reaction-diffusion equation with arbitrary, autonomous coefficients, describing the evolution of glioblastomas, aggressive primary brain tumors that are characterized by extensive infiltration into the brain and are highly resistant to treatment. The second order nonlinear equation describing the glioblastoma growth through travelling waves can be reduced to a first order Abel type equation. By using the integrability conditions for the Abel equation several classes of exact travelling wave solutions of the general reaction-diffusion equation that describes glioblastoma growth are obtained, corresponding to different forms of the product of the diffusion and reaction functions. The solutions are obtained by using the Chiellini lemma and the Lemke transformation, respectively, and the corresponding equations represent generalizations of the classical Fisher--Kolmogorov equation. The biological implications of two classes of solutions are also investigated by using both numerical and semi-analytical methods for realistic values of the biological parameters.

q-bio.TO↗

arXiv2014

Thermodynamic interpretation of the generalized gravity models with geometry - matter coupling

Modified gravity theories with geometry - matter coupling, in which the action is an arbitrary function of the Ricci scalar and the matter Lagrangian ($f\left(R,L_m\right)$ gravity), and of the Ricci scalar and of the trace of the matter energy-momentum tensor ($f(R,T)$ gravity), respectively, have the intriguing property that the divergence of the matter energy - momentum tensor is nonzero. In the present paper, by using the formalism of open thermodynamic systems, we interpret the generalized conservation equations in these gravitational theories from a thermodynamic point of view as describing irreversible matter creation processes, which could be validated by fundamental particle physics. Thus particle creation corresponds to an irreversible energy flow from the gravitational field to the created matter constituents, with the second law of thermodynamics requiring that space-time transforms into matter. The equivalent particle number creation rates, the creation pressure and the entropy production rates are obtained for both $f\left(R,L_m\right)$ and $f(R,T)$ gravity theories. The temperature evolution laws of the newly created particles are also obtained. In the case of the $f(R,T)$ gravity theory the open irreversible thermodynamic interpretation of a simple cosmological model is presented in detail. It is also shown that due to the geometry--matter coupling, during the cosmological evolution a large amount of comoving entropy could be produced.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Generalized curvature-matter couplings in modified gravity

In this work, we review a plethora of modified theories of gravity with generalized curvature-matter couplings. The explicit nonminimal couplings, for instance, between an arbitrary function of the scalar curvature $R$ and the Lagrangian density of matter, induces a non-vanishing covariant derivative of the energy-momentum tensor, implying non-geodesic motion and consequently leads to the appearance of an extra force. Applied to the cosmological context, these curvature-matter couplings lead to interesting phenomenology, where one can obtain a unified description of the cosmological epochs. We also consider the possibility that the behavior of the galactic flat rotation curves can be explained in the framework of the curvature-matter coupling models, where the extra-terms in the gravitational field equations modify the equations of motion of test particles, and induce a supplementary gravitational interaction. In addition to this, these models are extremely useful for describing dark energy-dark matter interactions, and for explaining the late-time cosmic acceleration.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Nonminimal torsion-matter coupling extension of f(T) gravity

We construct an extension of f(T) gravity with the inclusion of a non-minimal torsion-matter coupling in the action. The resulting theory is a novel gravitational modification, since it is different from both f(T) gravity, as well as from the non-minimal curvature-matter-coupled theory. The cosmological application of this new theory proves to be very interesting. In particular, we obtain an effective dark energy sector whose equation-of-state parameter can be quintessence or phantom-like, or exhibit the phantom-divide crossing, while for a large range of the model parameters the Universe results in a de Sitter, dark-energy-dominated, accelerating phase. Additionally, we can obtain early-time inflationary solutions too, and thus provide a unified description of the cosmological history.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

A Riccati equation based approach to isotropic scalar field cosmologies

Gravitationally coupled scalar fields $ϕ$, distinguished by the choice of an effective self-interaction potential $V(ϕ)$, simulating a temporarily non-vanishing cosmological term, can generate both inflation and late time acceleration. In scalar field cosmological models the evolution of the Hubble function is determined, in terms of the interaction potential, by a Riccati type equation. In the present work we investigate scalar field cosmological models that can be obtained as solutions of the Riccati evolution equation for the Hubble function. Four exact integrability cases of the field equations are presented, representing classes of general solutions of the Riccati evolution equation. The solutions correspond to cosmological models in which the Hubble function is proportional to the scalar field potential plus a linearly decreasing function of time, models with the time variation of the scalar field potential proportional to the potential minus its square, models in which the potential is the sum of an arbitrary function and the square of the function integral, and models in which the potential is the sum of an arbitrary function and the derivative of its square root, respectively. The cosmological properties of all models are investigated in detail, and it is shown that they can describe the inflationary or the late accelerating phase in the evolution of the Universe

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Matter may matter

We propose a gravitational theory in which the effective Lagrangian of the gravitational field is given by an arbitrary function of the Ricci scalar, the trace of the matter energy-momentum tensor, and the contraction of the Ricci tensor with the matter energy-momentum tensor. The matter energy-momentum tensor is generally not conserved, thus leading to the appearance of an extra-force, acting on massive particles in a gravitational field. The stability conditions of the theory with respect to local perturbations are also obtained. The cosmological implications of the theory are investigated, representing an exponential solution. Hence a Ricci tensor - energy-momentum tensor coupling may explain the recent acceleration of the Universe, without resorting to the mysterious dark energy.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Generalized Langevin equation with colored noise description of the stochastic oscillations of accretion disks

We consider a description of the stochastic oscillations of the general relativistic accretion disks around compact astrophysical objects interacting with their external medium based on a generalized Langevin equation with colored noise, which accounts for the general memory and retarded effects of the frictional force, and on the fluctuation-dissipation theorem. The presence of the memory effects influences the response of the disk to external random interactions, and modifies the dynamical behavior of the disk, as well as the energy dissipation processes. The generalized Langevin equation of the motion of the disk in the vertical direction is studied numerically, and the vertical displacements, velocities and luminosities of the stochastically perturbed disks are explicitly obtained for both the Schwarzschild and the Kerr cases. The Power Spectral Distribution (PSD) of the disk luminosity is also obtained. As a possible astrophysical application of the formalism we investigate the possibility that the Intra Day Variability (IDV) of the Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) may be due to the stochastic disk instabilities. The perturbations due to colored/nontrivially correlated noise induce a complicated disk dynamics, which could explain some astrophysical observational features related to disk variability.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Gravitational collapse of Bose-Einstein condensate dark matter halos

We study the mechanisms of the gravitational collapse of the Bose-Einstein condensate dark matter halos, described by the zero temperature time-dependent nonlinear Schrödinger equation (the Gross-Pitaevskii equation), with repulsive inter-particle interactions. By using a variational approach, and by choosing an appropriate trial wave function, we reformulate the Gross-Pitaevskii equation with spherical symmetry as Newton's equation of motion for a particle in an effective potential, which is determined by the zero point kinetic energy, the gravitational energy, and the particles interaction energy, respectively. The velocity of the condensate is proportional to the radial distance, with a time dependent proportionality function. The equation of motion of the collapsing dark matter condensate is studied by using both analytical and numerical methods. The collapse of the condensate ends with the formation of a stable configuration, corresponding to the minimum of the effective potential. The radius and the mass of the resulting dark matter object are obtained, as well as the collapse time of the condensate. The numerical values of these global astrophysical quantities, characterizing condensed dark matter systems, strongly depend on the two parameters describing the condensate, the mass of the dark matter particle, and of the scattering length, respectively. The stability of the condensate under small perturbations is also studied, and the oscillations frequency of the halo is obtained. Hence these results show that the gravitational collapse of the condensed dark matter halos can lead to the formation of stable astrophysical systems with both galactic and stellar sizes.

gr-qc↗

arXiv2014

Exact analytical solutions of the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) epidemic model and of the SIR model with equal death and birth rates

In this paper, the exact analytical solution of the Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) epidemic model is obtained in a parametric form. By using the exact solution we investigate some explicit models corresponding to fixed values of the parameters, and show that the numerical solution reproduces exactly the analytical solution. We also show that the generalization of the SIR model, including births and deaths, described by a nonlinear system of differential equations, can be reduced to an Abel type equation. The reduction of the complex SIR model with vital dynamics to an Abel type equation can greatly simplify the analysis of its properties. The general solution of the Abel equation is obtained by using a perturbative approach, in a power series form, and it is shown that the general solution of the SIR model with vital dynamics can be represented in an exact parametric form.

q-bio.PE↗