Graviton and scalar propagations on AdS<Subscript>4</Subscript> space in <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) gravities

We investigate propagations of graviton and additional scalar on four-dimensional anti-de Sitter (AdS₄) space using f(R) gravity models with external sources. It is shown that there is the van Dam–Veltman–Zakharov (vDVZ) discontinuity in f(R) gravity models because f(R) gravity implies GR with additional scalar. This clearly indicates a difference between general relativity and f(R) gravity.     

Late-time cosmological approach in mimetic <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>) gravity

In this paper, we investigate the late-time cosmic acceleration in mimetic f(R, T) gravity with the Lagrange multiplier and potential in a Universe containing, besides radiation and dark energy, a self-interacting (collisional) matter. We obtain through the modified Friedmann equations the main equation that can describe the cosmological evolution. Then, with several models from \(\mathcal {Q}(z)\) and the well-known particular model f(R, T), we perform an analysis of the late-time evolution. We examine the behavior of the Hubble parameter, the dark energy equation of state and the total effective equation of state and in each case we compare the resulting picture with the non-collisional matter (assumed as dust) and also with the collisional matter in mimetic f(R, T) gravity. The results obtained are in good agreement with the observational data and show that in the presence of the collisional matter the dark energy oscillations in mimetic f(R, T) gravity can be damped.     

The simplest non-minimal matter–geometry coupling in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>) cosmology

f(R, T) gravity is an extended theory of gravity in which the gravitational action contains general terms of both the Ricci scalar R and the trace of the energy-momentum tensor T. In this way, f(R, T) models are capable of describing a non-minimal coupling between geometry (through terms in R) and matter (through terms in T). In this article we construct a cosmological model from the simplest non-minimal matter–geometry coupling within the f(R, T) gravity formalism, by means of an effective energy-momentum tensor, given by the sum of the usual matter energy-momentum tensor with a dark energy contribution, with the latter coming from the matter–geometry coupling terms. We apply the energy conditions to our solutions in order to obtain a range of values for the free parameters of the model which yield a healthy and well-behaved scenario. For some values of the free parameters which are submissive to the energy conditions application, it is possible to predict a transition from a decelerated period of the expansion of the universe to a period of acceleration (dark energy era). We also propose further applications of this particular case of the f(R, T) formalism in order to check its reliability in other fields, rather than cosmology.     

Dynamics of anisotropic power-law <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) cosmology

Modified theories of gravity have attracted much attention of the researchers in the recent years. In particular, the f(R) theory has been investigated extensively due to important f(R) gravity models in cosmological contexts. This paper is devoted to exploring an anisotropic universe in metric f(R) gravity. A locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi type I cosmological model is considered for this purpose. Exact solutions of modified field equations are obtained for a well-known f(R) gravity model. The energy conditions are also discussed for the model under consideration. The viability of the model is investigated via graphical analysis using the present-day values of cosmological parameters. The model satisfies null energy, weak energy, and dominant energy conditions for a particular range of the anisotropy parameter while the strong energy condition is violated, which shows that the anisotropic universe in f(R) gravity supports the crucial issue of accelerated expansion of the universe.     

Exploring plane-symmetric solutions in <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) gravity

The modified theories of gravity, especially the f(R) gravity, have attracted much attention in the last decade. This paper is devoted to exploring plane-symmetric solutions in the context of metric f(R) gravity. We extend the work on static plane-symmetric vacuum solutions in f(R) gravity already available in the literature [1, 2]. The modified field equations are solved using the assumptions of both constant and nonconstant scalar curvature. Some well-known solutions are recovered with power-law and logarithmic forms of f(R) models.     

A no-hair theorem for spherically symmetric black holes in $$R^2$$ gravity

In a recent paper Cañate (Class Quantum Grav 35:025018, 2018) proved a no hair theorem to static and spherically symmetric or stationary axisymmetric black holes in general f(R) gravity. The theorem applies for isolated asymptotically flat or asymptotically de Sitter black holes and also in the case when vacuum is replaced by a minimally coupled source having a traceless energy momentum tensor. This theorem excludes the case of pure quadratic gravity, \(f(R) = R^2\). In this paper we use the scalar tensor representation of general f(R) theory to show that there are no hairy black hole in pure \(R^2\) gravity. The result is limited to spherically symmetric black holes but does not assume asymptotic flatness or de-Sitter asymptotics as in most of the no-hair theorems encountered in the literature. We include an example of a static and spherically symmetric black hole in \(R^2\) gravity with a conformally coupled scalar field having a Higgs-type quartic potential.     

Inflation Driven by q-de Sitter

We propose a generalised de Sitter scale factor for the cosmology of early and late time universe, including single scalar field is called as inflaton. This form of scale factor has a free parameter q is called as nonextensivity parameter. When q = 1, the scale factor is de Sitter. This scale factor is an intermediate form between power-law and de Sitter. We study cosmology of such families. We show that both kinds of dark components, dark energy and dark matter simultaneously are described by this family of solutions. As a motivated idea, we investigate inflation in the framework of q-de Sitter. We consider three types of scenarios for inflation. In a single inflation scenario, we observe that, inflation ended without any specific ending inflation ?_end, the spectral index and the associated running of the spectral index are n_s ? 1 ～ ?2??, α_s ≡ 0. To end the inflation: we should have \(q=\frac {3}{4}\). We deduce that the inflation ends when the evolution of the scale factor is a(t) = e_3/4(t). With this scale factor there is no need to specify ?_end. As an alternative to have inflation with ending point, We will study q-inflation model in the context of warm inflation. We propose two forms of damping term Γ. In the first case when Γ = Γ₀, we show the scale invariant spectrum, (Harrison-Zeldovich spectrum, i.e. n_s = 1) may be approximately presented by (\(q=\frac {9}{10},~~N=70\)). Also there is a range of values of R and n_s which is compatible with the BICEP2 data where \(q=\frac {9}{10}\). In case Γ = Γ₁V(?), it is observed that small values of a number of e-folds are assured for small values of q parameter. Also in this case, the scale-invariant spectrum may be represented by \((q,N) = (\frac {9}{10},70)\). For \(q=\frac {9}{10}\) a range of values of R and n_s is compatible with the BICEP2 data. Consequently, the proposal of q-de Sitter is consistent with observational data. We observe that the non-extensivity parameter q plays a significant role in inflationary scenario.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) gravity solutions for evolving wormholes

The scalar–tensor f(R) theory of gravity is considered in the framework of a simple inhomogeneous space-time model. In this research we use the reconstruction technique to look for possible evolving wormhole solutions within viable f(R) gravity formalism. These f(R) models are then constrained so that they are consistent with existing experimental data. Energy conditions related to the matter threading the wormhole are analyzed graphically and are in general found to obey the null energy conditions (NEC) in regions around the throat, while in the limit \(f(R)=R,\) NEC can be violated at large in regions around the throat.     

Strong energy condition and the repulsive character of <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) gravity

The Raychaudhuri equation enables to examine the whole spacetime structure without specific solutions of Einstein’s equations, playing a central role for the understanding of the gravitational interaction in cosmology. In General Relativity, without considering a cosmological constant, a non-positive contribution in the Raychaudhuri equation is usually interpreted as the manifestation of the attractive character of gravity. In this case, particular energy conditions—indeed the strong energy condition—must be assumed in order to guarantee the attractive character. In the context of f(R) gravity, however, even assuming the standard energy conditions one may have a positive contribution to the Raychaudhuri equation. Besides providing a simple way to explain the observed cosmic acceleration, this fact opens the possibility of a repulsive character of this kind of gravity. In order to discuss physical bounds on f(R) models, we address the attractive/non-attractive character of f(R) gravity considering the Raychaudhuri equation and assuming the strong energy condition along with recent estimates of the cosmographic parameters.     

Dark-energy cosmological models in <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">G</Emphasis>) gravity

We discuss dark-energy cosmological models in f(G) gravity. For this purpose, a locally rotationally symmetric Bianchi type I cosmological model is considered. First, exact solutions with a well-known form of the f(G) model are explored. One general solution is discussed using a power-law f(G) gravity model and physical quantities are calculated. In particular, Kasner’s universe is recovered and the corresponding f(G) gravity models are reported. Second, the energy conditions for the model under consideration are discussed using graphical analysis. It is concluded that solutions with f(G) = G^5/6 support expansion of universe while those with f(G) = G^1/2 do not favor the current expansion.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) gravity constraints from gravitational waves

The recent LIGO observation sparked interest in the field of gravitational wave signals. Besides the gravitational wave observation the LIGO collaboration used the inspiraling black hole pair to constrain the graviton mass. Unlike general relativity, f(R) theories have a characteristic non-zero mass graviton. We apply this constraint on the graviton mass to viable f(R) models in order to find the effects on model parameters. We find it possible to constrain the parameter space with these gravity wave based observations. We consider the popular Hu–Sawicki model as a case study and find an appropriate parameter bracket. The result generalizes to other f(R) theories and can be used to constrain the parameter space.     

Horizon thermodynamics in <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) theory

We investigate whether the new horizon first law proposed recently still work in f(R) theory. We identify the entropy and the energy of black hole as quantities proportional to the corresponding value of integration, supported by the fact that the new horizon first law holds true as a consequence of equations of motion in f(R) theories. The formulas for the entropy and energy of black hole found here are in agreement with the results obtained in literatures. For applications, some nontrivial black hole solutions in f(R) theories have been considered, the entropies and the energies of black holes in these models are firstly computed, which may be useful for future researches.     

Effects of charge on dynamical instability of spherical collapse in <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>) gravity

The effects of charge on stable structure of spherically symmetric collapsing model comprising anisotropic matter distribution are studied in f(R, T) gravity, where R and T correspond to scalar curvature and trace of the energy-momentum tensor, respectively. We construct the field equations, Maxwell equations and dynamical equations in this scenario. We employ linear perturbation scheme on physical variables, metric functions as well as modified terms to establish the evolution or collapse equation for a consistent functional form of f(R, T) gravity. We investigate the limit of instability in Newtonian as well as post Newtonian regimes. It is found that charge plays a fundamental role to slow down the collapse and form a more stable system.     

Non-Vacuum Plane Symmetric Solutions and their Energy Contents in f (R) Gravity

The exact vacuum solutions of static plane symmetric spacetimes in four, five, six and n-dimensions in metric approach of f (R) theory of gravity have already been found and are available in literature. In this paper, we extend the work done by Sharif and Farasat for the case of vacuum static plane symmetric solutions in f (R) theory of gravity to non-vacuum case. Two non-vacuum solutions have been determined by using constant Ricci scalar assumption. Moreover, for some specific choices of f (R) models, the energy distribution of these solutions has been explored by applying the generalized Landau-Lifshitz energy-momentum complex in the context of f (R) theory of gravity. In addition, we discuss the stability conditions for these solutions.     

Violation of causality in <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>) gravity

In the standard formulation, the f(T) field equations are not invariant under local Lorentz transformations, and thus the theory does not inherit the causal structure of special relativity. Actually, even locally violation of causality can occur in this formulation of f(T) gravity. A locally Lorentz covariant f(T) gravity theory has been devised recently, and this local causality problem seems to have been overcome. The non-locality question, however, is left open. If gravitation is to be described by this covariant f(T) gravity theory there are a number of issues that ought to be examined in its context, including the question as to whether its field equations allow homogeneous Gödel-type solutions, which necessarily leads to violation of causality on non-local scale. Here, to look into the potentialities and difficulties of the covariant f(T) theories, we examine whether they admit Gödel-type solutions. We take a combination of a perfect fluid with electromagnetic plus a scalar field as source, and determine a general Gödel-type solution, which contains special solutions in which the essential parameter of Gödel-type geometries, \(m^2\), defines any class of homogeneous Gödel-type geometries. We show that solutions of the trigonometric and linear classes (\(m^2 < 0\) and \(m=0\)) are permitted only for the combined matter sources with an electromagnetic field matter component. We extended to the context of covariant f(T) gravity a theorem which ensures that any perfect-fluid homogeneous Gödel-type solution defines the same set of Gödel tetrads \(h_A^{~\mu }\) up to a Lorentz transformation. We also showed that the single massless scalar field generates Gödel-type solution with no closed time-like curves. Even though the covariant f(T) gravity restores Lorentz covariance of the field equations and the local validity of the causality principle, the bare existence of the Gödel-type solutions makes apparent that the covariant formulation of f(T) gravity does not preclude non-local violation of causality in the form of closed time-like curves.     

Bianchi V cosmological model in Palatini <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) gravity

We apply the dynamical systems approach to investigate the spatially homogeneous and anisotropic Bianchi type V models for the Palatini version of f(R) gravity. In particular, we examine the existence of equilibrium points along with their exact solutions and stability properties for two different forms of f(R). Moreover, the evolution of shear and spatial curvature by performing the phase space analysis are studied and also the phases of evolution from anisotropic universe to the stable de-Sitter flat universe are discussed.     

Black-hole solutions in <Emphasis Type="Italic">F</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>) gravity with conformal anomaly

In this paper, we consider F(R)=R+f(R) theory instead of Einstein gravity with conformal anomaly and look for its analytical solutions. Depending on the free parameters, one may obtain both uncharged and charged solutions for some classes of F(R) models. Calculation of Kretschmann scalar shows that there is a singularity located at r=0. The geometry of uncharged (charged) solution corresponds to the Schwarzschild (Reissner–Nordström) singularity. Further, we discuss the viability of our models in detail. We show that these models can be stable, depending on their parameters and in different epochs of the universe.     

Cosmology from <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>) Theory in a Variant Speed of Light Scenario

In this work I present a generalization of f(R, T) gravity, by allowing the speed of light to vary. Cosmological solutions are presented for matter and radiation-dominated universes, the former allowing the universe expansion to accelerate while the latter contemplating a possible alternative to inflationary scenario. Remarkably, standard gravity is always retrieved for a special case of f(R, T).     

Dark Energy Models in <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>) Theory with Variable Deceleration Parameter

In this communication we have investigated Bianchi type-II dark energy (DE) cosmological models with and without presence of magnetic field in modified f(R, T) gravity theory as proposed by Harko et al. (Phys. Rev. D, 84, 024020, 2011). The exact solution of the field equations is obtained by setting the deceleration parameter q as a time function along with suitable assumption the scale factor \(a(t)= [sinh(\alpha t)]^{\frac {1}{n}}\), α and n are positive constant. We have obtained a class of accelerating and decelerating DE cosmological models for different values of n and α. The present study believes that the mysterious dark energy is the main responsible force for accelerating expansion of the universe. For our constructed models the DE candidates cosmological constant (Λ) and the EoS parameter (ω) both are found to be time varying quantities. The cosmological constant Λ is very large at early time and approaches to a small positive value at late time whereas the EoS parameters is found small negative at present time. Physical and kinematical properties of the models are discussed with the help of pictorial representations of the parameters. We have observed that our constructed models are compatible with recent cosmological observations.     

Spherical Symmetric Perfect Fluid Collapse in <Emphasis Type="Italic">f</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">R</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">T</Emphasis>) Gravity

This paper contains the study of spherically symmetric perfect fluid collapse in the frame work of f(R, T) modified theory of gravity. We proceed our work by considering the non-static spherically symmetric background in the interior and static spherically symmetric background in the exterior regions of the star. The junction conditions between exterior and interior regions are presented by matching the exterior and interior regions. The field equations are solved by taking the assumptions that the Ricci scalar as well as the trace of energy-momentum tensor are to be constant, for a particular f(R, T) model. By inserting the solution of the field equations in junction conditions, we evaluate the gravitational mass of the collapsing system. Also, we discuss the apparent horizons and their time formation for different possible cases. It is concluded that the term f(R ₀, T ₀) behaves as a source of repulsive force and that’s why it slowdowns the collapse of the matter.