Starting from the original Einstein action, sometimes called the Gamma squared action, we propose a new setup to formulate modified theories of gravity. This can yield a theory with second order field equations similar to those found in other popular modified gravity models. Using a more general setting the theory gives fourth order equations. This model is based on the metric alone and does not require more general geometries. It is possible to show that our new theory and the recently proposed fðQÞ gravity models are equivalent at the level of the action and at the level of the field equations, provided that appropriate boundary terms are taken into account. Our theory can also reproduce fðRÞ gravity, which is an expected result. Perhaps more surprisingly, we show that this equivalence extends to fðTÞ gravity at the level of the action and its field equations, provided that appropriate boundary terms are taken in account. While these three theories are conceptually different and are based on different geometrical settings, we can establish the necessary conditions under which their field equations are the same. The final part requires matter to couple minimally to gravity. Through this work we emphasize the importance played by boundary terms which are at the heart of our approach.
The field equations of modified gravity theories, when considering a homogeneous and isotropic cosmological model, always become autonomous differential equations. This relies on the fact that in such models all variables only depend on cosmological time, or another suitably chosen time parameter. Consequently, the field equations can always be cast into the form of a dynamical system, a successful approach to study such models. We propose a perspective that is applicable to many different modified gravity models and relies on the standard cosmological density parameters only, making our choice of variables model independent. The drawback of our approach is a more complicated constraint equation. We demonstrate our procedure studying various modified gravity models and show how much generic information can be extracted before a specific model is considered.
The starting point of this work is the original Einstein action, sometimes called the Gamma squared action. Continuing from our previous results, we study various modified theories of gravity following the Palatini approach. The metric and the connection will be treated as independent variables leading to generalised theories which may contain torsion or non-metricity or both. Due to our particular approach involving the Einstein action, our setup allows us to formulate a substantial number of new theories not previously studied. Our results can be linked back to well-known models like Einstein-Cartan theory and metric-affine theories and also links to many recently studied modified gravity models. In particular we propose an Einstein-Cartan type modified theory of gravity which contains propagating torsion provided our function depends non-linearly on a boundary term. We also can state precise conditions for the existence of propagating torsion. Our work concludes with a brief discussion of cosmology and the role of cosmological torsion in our model. We find solutions with early-time inflation and late-time matter dominated behaviour. No matter sources are required to drive inflation and it becomes a purely geometrical effect.
Modified gravity theories can be used for the description of homogeneous and isotropic cosmological models through the corresponding field equations. These can be cast into systems of autonomous differential equations because of their sole dependence on a well chosen time variable, be it the cosmological time, or an alternative. For that reason a dynamical systems approach offers a reliable route to study those equations. Through a model independent set of variables we are able to study all f (Q) modified gravity models. The drawback of the procedure is a more complicated constraint equation. However, it allows the dynamical system to be formulated in fewer dimensions than using other approaches. We focus on a recent model of interest, the power-exponential model, and generalise the fluid content of the model.
Modified gravity theories can be used for the description of homogeneous and isotropic cosmological models through the corresponding field equations. These can be cast into systems of autonomous differential equations because of their sole dependence on a well-chosen time variable, be it the cosmological time, or an alternative. For that reason, a dynamical systems approach offers a reliable route to study those equations. Through a model-independent set of variables, we are able to study all f(Q) modified gravity models. The drawback of the procedure is a more complicated constraint equation. However, it allows the dynamical system to be formulated in fewer dimensions than using other approaches. We focus on a recent model of interest, the power-exponential model, and generalize the fluid content of the model.
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