Topological defects: A problem for cyclic universes?

P. P. Avelino, C. J. A. P. Martins, C. Santos, and E. P. S. Shellard
Phys. Rev. D 68, 123502 – Published 8 December 2003
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Abstract

We study the behavior of cosmic string networks in contracting universes, and discuss some of their possible consequences. We note that there is a fundamental time asymmetry between defect network evolution for an expanding universe and a contracting universe. A string network with negligible loop production and small-scale structure will asymptotically behave during the collapse phase as a radiation fluid. In realistic networks these two effects are important, making this solution only approximate. We derive new scaling solutions describing this effect, and test them against high-resolution numerical simulations. A string network in a contracting universe, together with the gravitational radiation background it has generated, can significantly affect the dynamics of the universe both locally and globally. The network can be an important source of radiation, entropy and inhomogeneity. We discuss the possible implications of these findings for bouncing and cyclic cosmological models.

  • Received 31 March 2003

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.68.123502

©2003 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

P. P. Avelino1,*, C. J. A. P. Martins2,3,4,†, C. Santos1,‡, and E. P. S. Shellard3,§

  • 1Centro de Física do Porto e Departamento de Física da Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
  • 2Centro de Astrofísica da Universidade do Porto, R. das Estrelas s/n, 4150-762 Porto, Portugal
  • 3Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom
  • 4Institut d’Astrophysique de Paris, 98 bis Boulevard Arago, 75014 Paris, France

  • *Electronic address: ppavelin@fc.up.pt
  • Electronic address: C.J.A.P.Martins@damtp.cam.ac.uk
  • Electronic address: cssilva@fc.up.pt
  • §Electronic address: E.P.S.Shellard@damtp.cam.ac.uk

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Vol. 68, Iss. 12 — 15 December 2003

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