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At least 289 records · Page 16

Rapidly rotating neutron stars with a massive scalar field—structure and universal relations

We construct rapidly rotating neutron star models in scalar-tensor theories with a massive scalar field. The fact that the scalar field has nonzero mass leads to very interesting results since the allowed range of values of the coupling parameters is significantly broadened. Deviations from pure general relativity can be very large for values of the parameters that are in agreement with the observations. We found that the rapid rotation can magnify the differences several times compared to the static case. The universal relations between the normalized moment of inertia and quadrupole moment are also investigated both for the slowly and rapidly rotating cases. The results show that these relations are still EOS independent up to a large extend and the deviations from pure general relativity can be large. This places the massive scalar-tensor theories amongst the few alternative theories of gravity that can be tested via the universal I -Love- Q relations.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Cosmological perturbations in unimodular gravity

We study cosmological perturbation theory within the framework of unimodular gravity. We show that the Lagrangian constraint on the determinant of the metric required by unimodular gravity leads to an extra constraint on the gauge freedom of the metric perturbations. Although the main equation of motion for the gravitational potential remains the same, the shift variable, which is gauge artifact in General Relativity, cannot be set to zero in unimodular gravity. This non-vanishing shift variable affects the propagation of photons throughout the cosmological evolution and therefore modifies the Sachs-Wolfe relation between the relativistic gravitational potential and the microwave temperature anisotropies. However, for adiabatic fluctuations the difference between the result in General Relativity and unimodular gravity is suppressed on large angular scales. Thus, no strong constraints on the theory can be derived.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Sensor failure detection using generalized parity relations for flexible structures

Analytical redundancy may be preferable to hardware redundancy in failure detection/isolation tasks for such large-scale systems as space structures. Generalized single-sensor parity relations are presently applied to this problem; they are noted to yield a very simple isolation logic, and their generation is found to be extremely rapid, even in the case of extremely complex systems, provided only that the eigenstructure of the system be known. Their implementation is, however, extremely sensitive to modeling errors and noise.

Mercadal, Mathieu↗

Controlled wetting and spreading of metals on substrates using porous interlayers and related articles

The disclosure generally relates to a method of creating patterned metallic circuits (e.g., silver circuits) on a substrate (e.g., a ceramic substrate). A porous metal interlayer (e.g., porous nickel) is applied to the substrate to improve wetting and adhesion of the patterned metal circuit material to the substrate. The substrate is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt the patterned metal circuit material but not the porous metal interlayer. Spreading of molten metal circuit material on the substrate is controlled by the porous metal interlayer, which can itself be patterned, such as having a defined circuit pattern. Thick-film silver or other metal circuits can be custom designed in complicated shapes for high temperature/high power applications. The materials designated for the circuit design allows for a low-cost method of generating silver circuits other metal circuits on a ceramic substrate.

Nicholas, Jason Dale↗

Neutron stars as laboratories for gravity physics

We study the structure of neutron stars in R+αR² gravity model with perturbative method. We obtain mass-radius relations for four representative equations of state (EoS). We find that, for |α|~10⁹ cm², the results differ substantially from the results of general relativity. The effects of modified gravity are seen as mimicking a stiff or soft EoS for neutron stars depending upon whether α is negative or positive, respectively. Some of the soft EoS that are excluded within the framework of general relativity can be reconciled for certain values of α of this order with the 2 solar mass neutron star recently observed. Indeed, if the EoS is ever established to be soft, modified gravity of the sort studied here may be required to explain neutron star masses as large as 2 M{sub ⊙}. The associated length scale √(α)~10⁵ cm is of the order of the the typical radius of neutron stars implying that this is the smallest value we could find by using neutron stars as a probe. We thus conclude that the true value of α is most likely much smaller than 10⁹ cm².

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Test of the Equivalence Principle in the Dark sector on galactic scales

The Einstein Equivalence Principle is a fundamental principle of the theory of General Relativity. While this principle has been thoroughly tested with standard matter, the question of its validity in the Dark sector remains open. In this paper, we consider a general tensor-scalar theory that allows to test the equivalence principle in the Dark sector by introducing two different conformal couplings to standard matter and to Dark matter. We constrain these couplings by considering galactic observations of strong lensing and of velocity dispersion. Our analysis shows that, in the case of a violation of the Einstein Equivalence Principle, data favour violations through coupling strengths that are of opposite signs for ordinary and Dark matter. At the same time, our analysis does not show any significant deviations from General Relativity.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Covariant action for bouncing cosmologies in modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity

Cyclic universes with bouncing solutions are candidates for solving the big bang initial singularity problem. Here we seek bouncing solutions in a modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity theory, of the type R+f(G), where R is the Ricci scalar, G is the Gauss–Bonnet term, and f some function of it. In finding such a bouncing solution we resort to a technique that reduces the order of the differential equations of the R+f(G) theory to second-order equations. As general relativity is a theory whose equations are of second-order, this order reduction technique enables one to find solutions which are perturbatively close to general relativity. We also build the covariant action of the order reduced theory.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

The effective field theory treatment of quantum gravity

This is a pedagogical introduction to the treatment of quantum general relativity as an effective field theory. It starts with an overview of the methods of effective field theory and includes an explicit example. Quantum general relativity matches this framework and I discuss gravitational examples as well as the limits of the effective field theory. I also discuss the insights from effective field theory on the gravitational effects on running couplings in the perturbative regime.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Lovelock solutions in the presence of matter sources

For a large class of space and time-dependent warped geometries we find the general solution of the six-dimensional Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet equations in the presence of p-form matter fields. This is done under two conditions on the matter sector which we show impose the integrability of the full system. Solutions are classified and known black hole limits are found. It is shown that Lovelock gravity restricts drastically the possible horizon geometries and allowed matter sources. In fact, we show that if we allow only for solutions of asymptotically flat falloff behavior, then the only permissible black hole is that of Boulware-Deser with electromagnetic charge. The situation of six-dimensional Lovelock gravity is therefore almost identical to four-dimensional General Relativity. The gravitational horizon constraints lead us to find static solutions involving 3-form matter fields in anti de Sitter space which are also new to General Relativity along with other cosmological and black string type of solutions.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Particle motion in Horava-Lifshitz black hole space-times

We study the particle motion in the space-time of a Kehagias-Sfetsos black hole which is a static spherically symmetric solution of a Horava-Lifshitz gravity model. This model reduces to general relativity in the infrared limit and deviates slightly from detailed balance. Taking the viewpoint that the model is essentially a (3+1)-dimensional modification of general relativity we use the geodesic equation to determine the motion of massive and massless particles. We solve the geodesic equation exactly by using numerical techniques. We find that neither massless nor massive particles with nonvanishing angular momentum can reach the singularity at r=0. Next to bound and escape orbits that are also present in the Schwarzschild space-time we find that new types of orbits exist: manyworld bound orbits as well as two-world escape orbits. We also discuss observables such as the perihelion shift and the light deflection.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Cosmological constraints on the gravitational interactions of matter and dark matter

Although there is overwhelming evidence of dark matter from its gravitational interaction, we still do not know its precise gravitational interaction strength or whether it obeys the equivalence principle. Using the latest available cosmological data and working within the framework of ΛCDM, we first update the measurement of the multiplicative factor of cosmology-relevant Newton’s constant over the standard laboratory-based value and find that it is consistent with one. In general relativity, dark matter equivalence principle breaking can be mimicked by a long-range dark matter force mediated by an ultra light scalar field. Using the Planck three year data, we find that the dark matter “fifth-force” strength is constrained to be weaker than 10{sup −4} of the gravitational force. We also introduce a phenomenological, post-Newtonian two-fluid description to explicitly break the equivalence principle by introducing a difference between dark matter inertial and gravitational masses. Depending on the decoupling time of the dark matter and ordinary matter fluids, the ratio of the dark matter gravitational mass to inertial mass is constrained to be unity at the 10{sup −6} level.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Comment on “Generalized dispersion relation for electron Bernstein waves in a non-Maxwellian magnetized anisotropic plasma” [Phys. Plasmas 17, 102114 (2010)]

In a recent paper [Deeba et al., Phys. Plasmas 17, 102114 (2010)], a generalized dielectric constant for the electron Bernstein waves using non-Maxwellian distribution functions was derived in a collisionless, uniform magnetized plasma. Using the Neumann series expansion for the products of Bessel functions, Deeba, Ahmad, and Murtaza derived the dispersion relations for both kappa and the generalized (r, q) distributions in a straightforward manner. However, their results are questionable, since the Neumann series expansion for the products of Bessel functions is valid for small argument, while for perpendicular propagation, it is necessary to evaluate special integrands for small as well as large arguments.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Theoretical implications of detecting gravitational waves

This paper is the third in a series of theorems which state how cosmological observations can provide evidence for an early phase of acceleration in the universe. It was demonstrated in [1,2], that the observed power spectrum for scalar perturbations forces all possible alternative theories of inflation to theories other than General Relativity. It was shown that generically, without a phase of accelerated expansion, these alternatives have to break at least one of the following tenets of classical general relativity: the Null Energy Condition (NEC), subluminal signal propagation, or sub-Planckian energy densities. In this paper we prove how detection of primordial gravitational waves at large scales can provide independent evidence to support a phase of accelerated expansion. This proof does not rely on the spectral index for tensor modes but relies on validity of quantum field theory in curved space time and tensor modes being sourced from adiabatic vacuum fluctuations. Our approach, like in the case of scalars, is proof by contradiction: we investigate the possibility of a detectable tensor signal sourced by vacuum fluctuations in a non-accelerating, sub-Planckian universe using cosmological perturbation theory and derive contradictory limits on cosmological dynamics. The contradiction implies that one or more of our axioms for early universe must have been broken. The bound from tensor perturbations is not only independent of, but also stronger than the one obtained from scalar power spectrum.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

EINSTEIN'S SIGNATURE IN COSMOLOGICAL LARGE-SCALE STRUCTURE

We show how the nonlinearity of general relativity generates a characteristic nonGaussian signal in cosmological large-scale structure that we calculate at all perturbative orders in a large-scale limit. Newtonian gravity and general relativity provide complementary theoretical frameworks for modeling large-scale structure in ΛCDM cosmology; a relativistic approach is essential to determine initial conditions, which can then be used in Newtonian simulations studying the nonlinear evolution of the matter density. Most inflationary models in the very early universe predict an almost Gaussian distribution for the primordial metric perturbation, ζ. However, we argue that it is the Ricci curvature of comoving-orthogonal spatial hypersurfaces, R, that drives structure formation at large scales. We show how the nonlinear relation between the spatial curvature, R, and the metric perturbation, ζ, translates into a specific nonGaussian contribution to the initial comoving matter density that we calculate for the simple case of an initially Gaussian ζ. Our analysis shows the nonlinear signature of Einstein's gravity in large-scale structure.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Pure field theories and MACSYMA algorithms

A pure field theory attempts to describe physical phenomena through singularity-free solutions of field equations resulting from an action principle. The physics goes into forming the action principle and interpreting specific results. Algorithms for the intervening mathematical steps are sketched. Vacuum general relativity is a pure field theory, serving as model and providing checks for generalizations. The fields of general relativity are the 10 components of a symmetric Riemannian metric tensor; those of the Einstein-Straus generalization are the 16 components of a nonsymmetric. Algebraic properties are exploited in top level MACSYMA commands toward performing some of the algorithms of that generalization. The light cone for the theory as left by Einstein and Straus is found and simplifications of that theory are discussed.

Ament, W. S.↗

Slowly rotating black holes in alternative theories of gravity

We present, in closed analytic form, a general stationary, slowly rotating black hole, which is a solution to a large class of alternative theories of gravity in four dimensions. In these theories, the Einstein-Hilbert action is supplemented by all possible quadratic, algebraic curvature invariants coupled to a scalar field. The solution is found as a deformation of the Schwarzschild metric in general relativity. We explicitly derive the changes to the orbital frequency at the innermost stable circular orbit and at the light ring in closed form. These results could be useful when comparing general relativity against alternative theories by (say) measurements of x-ray emission in accretion disks, or by stellar motion around supermassive black holes. When gravitational-wave astronomy comes into force, strong constraints on the coupling parameters can in principle be made.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

(abstract) Spacecraft Doppler Tracking with the Deep Space Network in the Search for Gravitational Waves

The Deep Space Network generates accurate radio science data observables for investigators who use radio links between spacecraft and the Earth to examine small changes in the phase and/or amplitude of the signal to study a wide variety of structures and phenomena in space. Several such studies are directed at aspects of the theory of general relativity such as gravitational redshift and gravitational waves. A gravitational wave is a propagating, polarized gravitational field, a ripple in the curvature of space-time. In Einstein's theory of general relativity, the waves are propagating solutions of the Einstein field equations. Their amplitudes are dimensionless strain amplitudes that change the fractional difference in distance between test masses and the rates at which separated clocks keep time. Predicted by all relativistic theories of gravity, they are extremely weak (the ratio of gravitational forces to electrical forces is about 10(sup -40)) and are generated at detectable levels only by astrophysical sources - very massive sources under violent dynamical conditions. The waves have never been detected but searches in the low-frequency band using Doppler tracking of many spacecraft have been conducted and others are being planned. Upper limits have been placed on the gravitational wave strength with the best sensitivities to date are for periodic waves being 7 x 10(sup -15).

gravitational waves theory of general relativity D↗

Non-Gaussian initial conditions in ΛCDM: Newtonian, relativistic, and primordial contributions

The goal of the present paper is to set initial conditions for structure formation at nonlinear order, consistent with general relativity, while also allowing for primordial non-Gaussianity. We use the nonlinear continuity and Raychaudhuri equations, which together with the nonlinear energy constraint, determine the evolution of the matter density fluctuation in general relativity. We solve this equations at first and second order in a perturbative expansion, recovering and extending previous results derived in the matter-dominated limit and in the Newtonian regime. We present a second-order solution for the comoving density contrast in a ΛCDM universe, identifying nonlinear contributions coming from the Newtonian growing mode, primordial non-Gaussianity and intrinsic non-Gaussianity, due to the essential nonlinearity of the relativistic constraint equations. We discuss the application of these results to initial conditions in N-body simulations, showing that relativistic corrections mimic a non-zero nonlinear parameter f {sub NL}.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗