Non-linear Lagrangians and cosmological theory
Abstract
In relativistic cosmology the theory of uniform model universes is based on Einstein's equations, which derive from a variational principle the fieldLagrangian L of which is the scalar curvature R to within an arbitrary additive constant. In this work the possibility of taking L to be a more general invariant of the Riemann tensor is contemplated. The consequences of choosing L to be a function of R alone are tentatively examined under specialized circumstances, with particular attention to an open world-model oscillating between non-singular states. Difficulties revolving about the actual form which might take are discussed.
- Publication:
-
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- Pub Date:
- 1970
- DOI:
- 10.1093/mnras/150.1.1
- Bibcode:
- 1970MNRAS.150....1B