Dynamics of M-theory cosmology

A complete global analysis of spatially flat, four-dimensional cosmologies derived from the type IIA string and M-theory effective actions is presented. A non-trivial Ramond-Ramond sector is included. The governing equations are written as a dynamical system. Asymptotically, the form fields are dynamically negligible, but play a crucial role in determining the possible intermediate behavior of the solutions (i.e., the nature of the equilibrium points). The only past-attracting solution (source in the system) may be interpreted in the eleven-dimensional setting in terms of flat space. This source is unstable to the introduction of spatial curvature.