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The generalized uncertainty principle provides a promising phenomenological approach to reconciling the fundamentals of general relativity with quantum mechanics. As a result, noncommutativity, measurement uncertainty, and the fundamental theory of quantum mechanics are subject to finite gravitational fields. The generalized uncertainty principle (RGUP) on curved spacetime allows for the imposition of quantum-induced elements on general relativity (GR) in four dimensions. In the relativistic regimes, the determination of a test particle's spacetime coordinates, 〈 x μ 〉 , becomes uncertain. There exists a specific range of coordinates where the accessibility to 〈 (x μ) 2 〉 is notably limited. Consequently, the spacetime coordinates lack both smoothness and continuity. The quantum-mechanical calculations of the spacetime coordinates are directly linked to their measurement through the expectation value 〈 x μ 〉. This expectation value is dependent on 〈 (x μ) 2 〉 , which is itself limited by a minimum measurable length Δ x m i n 2 . A crucial finding presented in this script is the existence of a lower bound for the Hamiltonian, which implies the stability of the quantum nature of spacetime. The direct correlation between Δ x m i n and − 〈 g 〉 μ ν is a significant discovery, suggesting a proportional relationship. The conjecture is made that the primary metric g carries all essential information regarding spacetime curvature and serves a role akin to the Jacobian determinant in general relativity. Moreover, the linear relationship between Δ x m i n and the Planck length ℓ p is established with a proportionality factor of − 〈 g 〉 μ ν β 2 , where β 2 denotes the RGUP parameter. The discretization of spacetime coordinates results in the discontinuity of the test particle's wavefunction ψ (x , t) , leading to an unrealistic Δ p. It is also noted that the lower limit of 〈 (p μ) 2 〉 is directly proportional to the fundamental tensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spin-torsion theory is a gauge theory approach to gravity that expands upon Einstein's general relativity (GR) by incorporating the spin of microparticles. In this study, we further develop the spin-torsion theory to examine spherically symmetric and static gravitational systems that involve free-falling macroscopic particles. We posit that the quantum spin of macroscopic matter becomes noteworthy at cosmic scales. We further assume that the Dirac spinor and Dirac equation adequately capture all essential physical characteristics of the particles and their associated processes. A crucial aspect of our approach involves substituting the constant mass in the Dirac equation with a scale function, allowing us to establish a connection between quantum effects and the scale of gravitational systems. This mechanism ensures that the quantum effect of macroscopic matter is scale-dependent and diminishes locally, a phenomenon not observed in microparticles. For any given matter density distribution, our theory predicts an additional quantum term, the quantum potential energy (QPE), within the mass expression. The QPE induces time dilation and distance contraction, and thus mimics a gravitational well. When applied to cosmology, our theory yields a static cosmological model. The QPE serves as a counterpart to the cosmological constant introduced by Einstein to balance gravity in his static cosmological model. The QPE also offers a plausible explanation for the origin of Hubble redshift (traditionally attributed to the universe's expansion). The predicted luminosity distance–redshift relation aligns remarkably well with SNe Ia data from the cosmological sample of SNe Ia. In the context of galaxies, the QPE functions as the equivalent of dark matter. The predicted circular velocities align well with rotation curve data from the SPARC (Spitzer Photometry and Accurate Rotation Curves database) sample. Importantly, our conclusions in this paper are reached through a conventional approach, with the sole assumption of the quantum effects of macroscopic matter at large scales, without the need for additional modifications or assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this short note we investigate canonical formalism for General Relativity which is formulated with the metric f ab = (- g) α g ab . We find corresponding Hamiltonian and we show that constraint structure is the same as in the standard formulation. We also analyze another model when the spatial part of metric h ij is related with the new one by relation a ij = (det h ij) β h ij and we argue that it corresponds to the gauge fixed version of the General Relativity formulated with the metric f ab = (- g) α g ab . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the framework of the extended Einstein–aether–axion theory, we studied the model of a two-level aetheric control over the evolution of a spatially isotropic homogeneous Universe filled with axionic dark matter. Two guiding functions are introduced, which depend on the expansion scalar of the aether flow being equal to the tripled Hubble function. The guiding function of the first type enters the aetheric effective metric, which modifies the kinetic term of the axionic system; the guiding function of the second type predetermines the structure of the potential axion field. We obtained new exact solutions to the total set of master equations in the model (with and without cosmological constant), and studied four analytically solvable submodels in detail, for which both guiding functions are reconstructed and illustrations of their behavior are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black holes represent ideal laboratories to test Einstein's theory of general relativity and alternative theories of gravity. Alternative theories of gravity typically introduce additional degrees of freedom, among them most prominently a scalar field. Depending on the theory, the resulting black holes may then differ significantly from their counterparts in General Relativity. Possessing hair, such black holes might, for instance, be distinguished by their shadows or by their gravitational wave spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that a three rank Lanczos type tensor field is an appropriate choice to describe relativistic electromagnetic and gravitational effects. More precisely, we identify the irreducible field-decompositions of this tensor as gravitational and electromagnetic fields. A set of divergence equations are proposed as field equations for the unified field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the framework of the Einstein–Dirac-aether theory we consider a phenomenological model of the spontaneous growth of the fermion number, which is triggered by the dynamic aether. The trigger version of spinorization of the early Universe is associated with two mechanisms: the first one is the aetheric regulation of behavior of the spinor field; the second mechanism can be related to a self-similarity of internal interactions in the spinor field. The dynamic aether is designed to switch on and switch off the self-similar mechanism of the spinor field evolution; from the mathematical point of view, the key of such a guidance is made of the scalar of expansion of the aether flow, proportional to the Hubble function in the isotropic cosmological model. Two phenomenological parameters of the presented model are shown to be considered as factors predetermining the total number of fermions born in the early Universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider an isotropic homogeneous cosmological model with five interacting elements: first, the dynamic aether presented by a unit timelike vector field; second, the pseudoscalar field describing an axionic component of the dark matter; third, the cosmic dark energy, described by a rheologic fluid; fourth, the non-axionic dark matter coupled to the dark energy; and fifth, the gravity field. We show that the early evolution of the Universe described by this model can include two specific epochs: the first one can be characterized as a super-inflation epoch; the second epoch is associated with an oscillatory regime. The dynamic aether carries out a regulatory mission; the rheologic dark fluid provides the specific features of the spacetime evolution. The oscillations of the scale factor and of the Hubble function are shown to switch on the parametric (Floquet-type) mechanism of the axion number growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the behavior of expansion free collapsing fluids, as studied by L. Herrera, A. Di Prisco and J. Ospino [Symmetry 15 (2023) 754], in the framework of f (R) gravity, which represents a modification of Einstein's general relativity by establishing a function of the Ricci scalar R in the gravitational action. We explore dynamical equations from Bianchi identities that demonstrate the motion and evolution of physical systems under the influence of gravitational fields. We match the inner and outer geometries of spacetime on the hypersurface to develop junction conditions by using the Misner–Sharp formalism. This allows us to identify the connection between mass functions for the inner and outer space as well as the relationship for heat flux q and radial pressure ℙ r . We also investigate analytical solutions of dissipative fluid distribution that fulfill the vanishing expansion condition together with the vanishing complexity factor constraint. For this, we introduce new constraints that permit the integration of the complex system in f (R) gravity. Next, we extract a set of differential equations that explain the dynamical structure of the dissipative spheres both in geodesic and non-geodesic fluids. Furthermore, we explore the physical characteristics of the obtained solutions, such as heat flux, energy density, shear stress, fluid's temperature along with tangential and radial pressure, to assess their viability in describing real astrophysical systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is known that, for shift-symmetric scalars, only a linear coupling with the Gauss–Bonnet (GB) invariant can introduce black hole hair. Such hairy black holes have a minimum mass, determined by the coupling of this interaction, and a scalar charge that is uniquely determined by their mass and spin for a fixed value of that coupling. Here we explore how additional shift-symmetric interactions affect the structure of the black hole, the value of the minimum mass, and the scalar charge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Teleparallel Theory is an alternative theory of gravity equivalent to general relativity (GR) and with non-vanishing torsion T. Some extensions of this theory, the so-called f(T) models, have been subject of many recent works. The purpose of our work in the end is to consider recent results for a specific family of f(T) models by using their corresponding Tolman-Oppenheimer-Volkof equation to describe compact objects such as neutron stars. By performing numerical calculations, it is possible to find, among other things, the maximum mass allowed by the model for a neutron star for a given equation of state (EOS), which would also allow us to evaluate which models are in accordance with observations. To begin with, the present work, the second in the series, considers polytropic EOSs since they can offer a simpler and satisfactory description for the compact objects. In addition, with these EOSs, we can already assess how different the f(T) theories are in relation to GR with respect to the stellar structure. Moreover, there is only a few studies in f(T) regarding polytropic EOSs; therefore, there is space for further studies. The results already known to GR must be reproduced to some extent and, eventually, we can find models that allow higher maximum masses than GR itself, which could explain, for example, the secondary component of the event GW190814. This particular issue is subject of another paper, the third in the series, where realistic EOSs are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the interaction between quantum test particles and the gravitational field generated by a black hole solution that was recently obtained in the consistent 4-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity. While quasinormal modes of scalar, electromagnetic, and Dirac fields have been recently studied in this theory, there is no such study for the quasibound states. Here, we calculate the spectrum of quasibound states for the test fields in a spherically symmetric and asymptotically flat black hole solution in the consistent 4-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet gravity. The quasispectrum of resonant frequencies is obtained by using the polynomial condition associated to the general Heun functions. We also discuss the stability of the systems for some values of the Gauss-Bonnet coupling constant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the dynamics of homogeneous and isotropic Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker cosmological models with positive spatial curvature within the context of mimetic gravity theory by employing dynamical system techniques. Our analysis yields phase-space trajectories that describe physically relevant solutions, capturing various stages of cosmic evolution. We also employ Bayesian statistical analysis to constrain the cosmological parameters of the models, utilizing data from Type Ia supernovae and Hubble parameter data sets. The observational data sets provide support for the viability of mimetic gravity models, which can effectively describe the late-time accelerated expansion of the universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we discuss the emergence of unimodular gravity (or, more precisely, Weyl transverse gravity) from the thermodynamics of spacetime. By analyzing three different ways to obtain gravitational equations of motion by thermodynamic arguments, we show that the results point to unimodular rather than fully diffeomorphism invariant theories and that this is true even for modified gravity. The unimodular character of dynamics is especially evident from the status of cosmological constant and energy-momentum conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the analytical solutions to the Bianchi type II universe in f(R) theory of gravity, a modified gravity theory. The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian are derived and the conformal vector fields of the space, which are Noether point symmetries of the Lagrangian, are presented. This spacetime is categorized into seven isometry classes. For each class, we establish the potential functionals V(t, x, y, z) and the first integrals associated with each Killing and homothetic vector field via Noether's theorem. Subsequently, the Lagrangian of the Bianchi II spacetime is quantized yielding the Wheeler-DeWitt equation and we apply the zero-order invariants of the admitted Lie point symmetries to determine invariant solutions for the wave function of the universe. Lastly, we reduce the Hamiltonian system to acquire the exact classical solutions to the field equations for all seven classes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been proposed that f(R) gravity is a viable proxy for General Relativity and a means for an alternative to dark energy. Within this context, we present the analytical solutions to the Bianchi type I universe. For this spacetime, the Killing and homothetic vector fields categorize the space into fourteen classes. Noether's theorem is used to determine the first integrals associated with each isometry for every class and we use the geometry of the Noether point symmetries of the space to establish potential functions. We also quantize the Lagrangian of the spacetime to derive the Wheeler–DeWitt equation and successively determine invariant solutions for the wave function of the universe from the Lie point symmetries admitted by the equation. Finally, for all cases, exact classical solutions to the field equations are found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study timelike particles' bound orbits around renormalization group improved Schwarzschild black holes (RGISBHs), which originate from renormalization group improvement of the Einstein–Hilbert action by using the running Newton constant. By considering the secular periastron precession for the timelike particles orbiting around RGISBHs, we found that it is not feasible to distinguish such black holes from Schwarzschild ones in the weak gravitational field. However, in the strong gravitational field, periodic orbits for the particles are investigated by employing a taxonomy. This suggests that the variation of the parameters in RGISBHs can change the taxonomy. This leads to a transition from periodic motion around Schwarzschild black holes to a quasi-periodic motion around these black holes. After that, the epicyclic motions of charged particles around RGISBHs immersed in an external asymptotically uniform magnetic field are taken into account with respect to the observed twin peak quasi-periodic oscillations' frequencies. The epicyclic motions of charged particles around such black holes in the external magnetic field can give one possible explanation for the 3:2 resonance in three low-mass X-ray binaries. Our results might provide some hints to distinguish RGISBHs from the classical black holes by using periodic orbits and epicyclic motions around the strong gravitational field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We find the linearized gravitational field of a static spherically symmetric mass distribution in massive conformal gravity and test it with some solar system experiments. The result is that the theory agrees with the general relativistic observations in the solar system for a determined lower bound on the graviton mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neutral time-like particle's bound orbits around modified Hayward black holes have been investigated. We find that both in the marginally bound orbits (MBO) and the innermost stable circular orbits (ISCO), the test particle's radius and its angular momentum are all more sensitive to one of the parameters β. Especially, modified Hayward black holes with β = 1 0 could mimic the same ISCO radius around the Kerr black hole with the spin parameter up to a / M ≈ 0. 9 9. Small β could mimic the ISCO of small-spinning test particles around Schwarzschild black holes. Meanwhile, rational (periodic) orbits around modified Hayward black holes have also been studied. The epicyclic frequencies of the quasi-circular motion around modified Hayward black holes are calculated and discussed with respect to the observed Quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) frequencies. Our results show that rational orbits around modified Hayward black holes have different values of the energy from the ones of Schwarzschild black holes. The epicyclic frequencies in modified Hayward black holes have different frequencies from Schwarzschild and Kerr ones. These might provide hints for distinguishing modified Hayward black holes from Schwarzschild and Kerr ones by using the dynamics of time-like particles around the strong gravitational field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After giving a short overview of previous results on constraining of Extended Gravity by stellar orbits, we discuss the Schwarzschild orbital precession of S2 star assuming the congruence with predictions of General Relativity (GR). At the moment, the S2 star trajectory is remarkably fitted with the first post-Newtonian approximation of GR. In particular, both Keck and VLT (GRAVITY) teams declared that the gravitational redshift near its pericenter passage for the S2 star orbit corresponds to theoretical estimates found with the first post-Newtonian (pN) approximation. In 2020, the GRAVITY Collaboration detected the orbital precession of the S2 star around the supermassive black hole (SMBH) at the Galactic Center and showed that it is close to the GR prediction. Based on this observational fact, we evaluated parameters of the Extended Gravity theories with the Schwarzschild precession of the S2 star. Using the mentioned method, we estimate the orbital precession angles for some Extended Gravity models including power-law f (R), general Yukawa-like corrections, scalar--tensor gravity, and non-local gravity theories formulated in both metric and Palatini formalism. In this consideration, we assume that a gravitational field is spherically symmetric, therefore, alternative theories of gravity could be described only with a few parameters. Specifically, considering the orbital precession, we estimate the range of parameters of these Extended Gravity models for which the orbital precession is like in GR. Then we compare these results with our previous results, which were obtained by fitting the simulated orbits of S2 star to its observed astrometric positions. In case of power-law f (R), generic Yukawa-like correction, scalar--tensor gravity and non-local gravity theories, we were able to obtain a prograde orbital precession, like in GR. According to these results, the method is a useful tool to evaluate parameters of the gravitational potential at the Galactic Center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parallel session (A3), on "Modified Gravity", enjoyed one on the largest number of abstract submissions (over 80), resulting in the selection of 24 oral presentations. The three short papers presented in the following sections are based on the session talks by Arif Mohd on thermodynamics of universal horizons in Einstein-Æther theory, Conformal anomalies in Hořava-Lifshitz gravity by Charles Melby-Thompson and detectability of scalar gravitational waves by LIGO and Virgo by Peter Shawhan. They have been selected as a representative sample, to illustrate some of the best in the remarkable and encouraging variety of topics discussed in the session-ranging from highly theoretical, to phenomenological, observational, and experimental-with all these areas playing an integral part in our quest to understand the limits of standard general relativity. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York.

f(R) Gravity is the most natural extension of General Relativity within Riemannian Geometry. Due to (inter alia) its potential capacity for a unified treatment of early and late-time cosmic expansion, it has enjoyed recent attention in astrophysics and cosmology. I critically examine three inter-related claims found in the pertinent physics literature, of general interest to the philosopher of science. 1. f(R) Gravity is equivalent to a particular Brans-Dicke Theory. 2. The spacetime geometry underpinning f(R) Gravity has substantial conventional elements. 3. f(R) Gravity is an instance of a theory in which the distinction between matter and spacetime is conventional. Whilst the first claim can be vindicated in precise terms, the remaining two claims, I submit, are unwarranted – at least for the reasons usually adduced. On different grounds, though, the case for conventionalism about spacetime geometry in f(R) Gravity (as well as General Relativity) turns out to be considerably stronger. • Modificatios of general relativity. • Einstein vs. Jordan frame. • Geometric conventionalism. • Spacetime/matter split. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this work, we propose a model of noncommutative cosmology through the deformation of minisuperspace. We focus on an exponentially potential with a homogeneous scalar field minimally coupled to gravity in the spatially flat universe. To process, we use a particular case of noncommutativity by making a deformation of space coordinates only. Then, we compare results in both the commutative model and the noncommutative one. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we find the cosmological solutions of the massive conformal gravity field equations in the presence of matter fields. In particular, we show that the solution of negative curvature is in good agreement with the late universe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the advantages of using metric theories of gravity with curvature–matter couplings in order to construct a relativistic generalization of the simplest version of Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), where Tully–Fisher scalings are valid for a wide variety of astrophysical objects. We show that these proposals are valid at the weakest perturbation order for trajectories of massive and massless particles (photons). These constructions can be divided into local and non-local metric theories of gravity with curvature–matter couplings. Using the simplest two local constructions in an FLRW universe for dust, we show that there is no need for the introduction of dark matter and dark energy components into the Friedmann equation in order to account for type Ia supernovae observations of an accelerated universe at the present epoch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detection of gravitational wave modes and polarizations could constitute an extremely important signature to discriminate among different theories of gravity. According to this statement, it is possible to prove that higher-order non-local gravity has formally the same gravitational spectrum of higher-order local gravity. In particular, we consider the cases of f(R,□R,□2R,⋯,□nR)=R+∑i=1nαiR□iR gravity, linear with respect to both R and □iR and f(R,□R)=R+α(□R)2 gravity, quadratic with respect to □R, where it is demonstrated the graviton amplitude changes if compared with General Relativity. We also obtain the gravitational spectrum of higher-order non-local gravity f(R,□−1R,□−2R,⋯,□−nR)=R+∑i=1nαiR□−iR. In this case, we have three state of polarization and n+3 oscillation modes. More in detail, it is possible to derive two transverse tensor (+) and (×) standard polarization modes of frequency ω1, massless and with 2-helicity; n+1 further scalar modes of frequency ω2,…,ωn+2, massive and with 0-helicity, each of which has the same mixed polarization, partly longitudinal and partly transverse.

In this work, we present a brief discussion about modified and extended cosmological models using current observational tests. We show that, according to these astrophysical samples based on late universe measurements, theories like f(R) and f(T, B) can provide a useful interpretation of a dynamical dark energy. At this stage, precision cosmostatistics has also become a well‐motivated endeavor by itself to test gravitational physics at cosmic scales, and these analyses can be employed to test the viability and future constrains over specific cosmological models of these theories of gravity, making them a good approach to propose an alternative path from the standard ΛCDM scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I review here some motivations to consider a theory of gravity based on independent metric and connection, and its status as a quantum theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general relativity, astrophysical black holes (BHs) are simple objects, described by just their mass and spin. These simple solutions are not exclusive to general relativity, as they also appear in theories that allow for an extra scalar degree of freedom. Recently, it was shown that some theories which couple a scalar field with the Gauss–Bonnet invariant can have the same classic black hole solutions from general relativity as well as hairy BHs. These scalarized solutions can be stable, having an additional "charge" term that has an impact on the gravitational-wave emission by black hole binaries. In this paper, we overview black hole solutions in scalar-Gauss–Bonnet gravity, considering self-interacting terms for the scalar field. We present the mode analysis for the monopolar and dipolar perturbations around the Schwarzschild black hole in scalar-Gauss–Bonnet, showing the transition between stable and unstable solutions. We also present the time-evolution of scalar Gaussian wave packets, analyzing the impact of the scalar-Gauss–Bonnet term in their evolution. We then present some scalarized solutions, showing that nonlinear coupling functions and self-interacting terms can stabilize them. Finally, we compute the light-ring frequency and the Lyapunov exponent, which possibly estimate the black hole quasinormal modes in the eikonal limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We estimate the parameters of the Hybrid Palatini gravity model with the Schwarzschild precession of S-stars, specifically of the S2, S38 and S55 stars. We also take into account the case of bulk mass distribution near the Galactic Center. We assume that the Schwarzschild orbital precession of mentioned S-stars is the same as in General Relativity (GR) in all studied cases. In 2020, the GRAVITY Collaboration detected the orbital precession of the S2 star around the supermassive black hole (SMBH) at the Galactic Center and showed that it is close to the GR prediction. The astronomical data analysis of S38 and S55 orbits showed that, also in these cases, the orbital precession is close to the GR prediction. Based on this observational fact, we evaluated the parameters of the Hybrid Palatini Gravity model with the Schwarzschild precession of the S2, S38 and S55 stars, and we estimated the range of parameters of the Hybrid Palatini gravity model for which the orbital precession is as in GR for all three stars. We also evaluated the parameters of the Hybrid Palatini Gravity model in the case of different values of bulk mass density distribution of extended matter. We believe that proposed method is a useful tool to evaluate parameters of the gravitational potential at the Galactic Center.

We prove that vector fields described by the generalized Proca class of theories do not admit consistent coupling with a gravitational sector defined by a scalar–tensor theory of the degenerate type. Under the assumption that there exists a frame in which the Proca field interacts with gravity only through the metric tensor, our analysis shows that at least one of the constraints associated with the degeneracy of the scalar–tensor sector is inevitably lost whenever the vector theory includes coupling with the Christoffel connection.

We generalize the basic theory of mimetic gravity by extending its purview to the general metric-compatible geometries that admit torsion, in addition to curvature. This essentially implies reinstating the mimetic principle of isolating the conformal degree of freedom of gravity in presence of torsion, by parametrizing both the physical metric and torsion in terms of the scalar 'mimetic' field and the metric and torsion of a fiducial space. We assert the requisite torsion parametrization from an inspection of the fiducial space Cartan transformation which, together with the conformal transformation of the fiducial metric, preserves the physical metric and torsion. In formulating the scalar–tensor equivalent Lagrangian, we consider an explicit contact coupling of the mimetic field with torsion, so that the former can manifest itself geometrically as the source of a torsion mode, and most importantly, give rise to a viable 'dark universe' picture from a mimicry of an evolving dust-like cosmological fluid with a nonzero pressure. A further consideration of higher derivatives of the mimetic field in the Lagrangian leads to physical bounds on the mimetic–torsion coupling strength, which we determine explicitly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Einstein–Cartan–Kibble–Sciama (ECKS) theory of gravity naturally extends Einstein’s general relativity (GR) to include intrinsic angular momentum (spin) of matter. The main feature of this theory consists of an algebraic relation between space–time torsion and spin of matter, which indeed deprives the torsion of its dynamical content. The Lagrangian of ECKS gravity is proportional to the Ricci curvature scalar constructed out of a general affine connection so that owing to the influence of matter energy–momentum and spin, curvature and torsion are produced and interact only through the space–time metric. In the absence of spin, the space–time torsion vanishes and the theory reduces to GR. It is however possible to have torsion propagation in vacuum by resorting to a model endowed with a nonminimal coupling between curvature and torsion. In the present work we try to investigate possible effects of the higher order terms that can be constructed from space–time curvature and torsion, as the two basic constituents of Riemann–Cartan geometry. We consider Lagrangians that include fourth-order scalar invariants from curvature and torsion and then investigate the resulting field equations. The solutions that we find show that there could exist, even in vacuum, nontrivial static space–times that admit both black holes and naked singularities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy conditions can play an important role in defining the cosmological evolution. Specifically acceleration/deceleration of cosmic fluid, as well as the emergence of Big Rip singularities, can be related to the constraints imposed by the energy conditions. Here we discuss this issue for f ( R ) gravity considering also conformal transformations. Cosmological solutions and equations of state can be classified according to energy conditions. The qualitative change of some energy conditions when transformation from the Jordan frame to the Einstein frame done is also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider the evolution of cosmological gravitational waves in scalar–tensor theory and F ( R ) gravity theory as typical models of the modified gravity. Although the propagation speed is not changed from the speed of light, the propagation phase changes when we compare the propagation in these modified gravity theories with the propagation in the ΛCDM model. The phase change might be detected in future observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extended Einstein-Maxwell-aether-axion model describes internal interactions inside the system, which contains gravitational, electromagnetic fields, the dynamic unit vector field describing the velocity of an aether, and the pseudoscalar field associated with the axionic dark matter. The specific feature of this model is that the axion field controls the dynamics of the aether through the guiding functions incorporated into Jacobson's constitutive tensor. Depending on the state of the axion field, these guiding functions can control and switch on or switch off the influence of acceleration, shear, vorticity and expansion of the aether flow on the state of physical system as a whole. We obtain new exact solutions, which possess the pp-wave symmetry, and indicate them by the term pp-wave aether modes in contrast to the pure pp-waves, which cannot propagate in this field conglomerate. These exact solutions describe a specific dynamic state of the pseudoscalar field, which corresponds to one of the minima of the axion potential and switches off the influence of shear and expansion of the aether flow; the model does not impose restrictions on Jacobson's coupling constants and on the axion mass. Properties of these new exact solutions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the weak field limit, we discuss astrophysical applications of Extended Theories of Gravity where higher order curvature invariants and scalar fields are considered by generalizing the Hilbert-Einstein action linear in the Ricci curvature scalar R. Results are compared to General Relativity in the hypothesis that Dark Matter contributions to the dynamics can be neglected thanks to modified gravity. In particular, we consider stellar hydrostatic equilibrium, galactic rotation curves, and gravitational lensing. Finally, we discuss the weak field limit in the Jordan and Einstein frames pointing out how effective quantities, as gravitational potentials, transform from one frame to the other and the interpretation of results can completely change accordingly.

We show that a Lagrangian density proportional to −gLm2/R reduces to a pressuron theory of gravity that is indistinguishable from General Relativity in the dust limit. The combination of matter and geometry in the same Lagrangian density intrinsically satisfies Mach's Principle — since matter cannot exist without curvature and vice versa — while it may have the correct phenomenology in order to describe actual gravity.

We discuss semiclassical Nariai black holes in the framework of f( T)-gravity. For a diagonal choice of tetrads, stable Nariai metrics can be found, emitting Bekenstein-Hawking radiation in semiclassical limit. However, for a nondiagonal choice of tetrads, evaporation and anti-evaporation instabilities are turned on. In turn, this causes a backreaction effect suppressing the Bekenstein-Hawking radiation. In particular, evaporation instabilities produce a new radiation - different by Bekenstein-Hawking emission - nonviolating unitarity in particle physics sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the phase-space dynamics of cosmological models in the theoretical formulations of nonminimal metric-torsion couplings with a scalar field, and investigate in particular the critical points (CPs) which yield stable solutions exhibiting cosmic acceleration driven by the dark energy (DE). The latter is so defined that it effectively has no direct interaction with the cosmological fluid, although in an equivalent scalar-tensor cosmological setup, the scalar field interacts with the fluid (which we consider to be the pressureless dust). Determining the conditions for the existence of the stable CPs, we check their physical viability in both Einstein and Jordan frames. We also verify that in either of these frames, the evolution of the universe at the corresponding stable points matches with that given by the respective exact solutions we have found in an earlier work [S. Sur and A. S. Bhatia, arXiv:1611.00654 [gr-qc]]. We not only examine the regions of physical relevance in the phase-space when the coupling parameter is varied, but also demonstrate the evolution profiles of the cosmological parameters of interest along fiducial trajectories in the effectively noninteracting scenarios, in both Einstein and Jordan frames. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We derive the gravitational energy momentum tensor [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problem of reproducing dark energy effects is reviewed here with particular interest devoted to cosmography. We summarize some of the most relevant cosmological models, based on the assumption that the corresponding barotropic equations of state evolve as the universe expands, giving rise to the accelerated expansion. We describe in detail the ΛCDM (Λ-Cold Dark Matter) and ωCDM models, considering also some specific examples, e.g., Chevallier–Polarsky–Linder, the Chaplygin gas and the Dvali–Gabadadze–Porrati cosmological model. Finally, we consider the cosmological consequences of f(R) and f(T) gravities and their impact on the framework of cosmography. Keeping these considerations in mind, we point out the model-independent procedure related to cosmography, showing how to match the series of cosmological observables to the free parameters of each model. We critically discuss the role played by cosmography, as a selection criterion to check whether a particular model passes or does not present cosmological constraints. In so doing, we find out cosmological bounds by fitting the luminosity distance expansion of the redshift, z, adopting the recent Union 2.1 dataset of supernovae, combined with the baryonic acoustic oscillation and the cosmic microwave background measurements. We perform cosmographic analyses, imposing different priors on the Hubble rate present value. In addition, we compare our results with recent PLANCK limits, showing that the ΛCDM and ωCDM models seem to be the favorite with respect to other dark energy models. However, we show that cosmographic constraints on f(R) and f(T) cannot discriminate between extensions of General Relativity and dark energy models, leading to a disadvantageous degeneracy problem.