English

A simple model of universe with a polytropic equation of state

Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics 2012-08-18 v1

Abstract

We construct a simple model of universe with a generalized equation of state p=(α+kρ1/n)ρc2p=(\alpha +k\rho^{1/n})\rho c^2 having a linear component p=αρc2p=\alpha\rho c^2 and a polytropic component p=kρ1+1/nc2p=k\rho^{1+1/n}c^2. For α=1/3\alpha=1/3, n=1n=1 and k=4/(3ρP)k=-4/(3\rho_P), where ρP=5.161099g/m3\rho_P=5.16 10^{99} g/m^3 is the Planck density, this equation of state provides a model of the early universe without singularity describing the transition between the pre-radiation era and the radiation era. The universe starts from t=t=-\infty but, when t<0t<0, its size is less than the Planck length lP=1.621035ml_P=1.62 10^{-35} m. The universe undergoes an inflationary expansion that brings it to a size a1=2.61106ma_1=2.61 10^{-6} m on a timescale of a few Planck times tP=5.391044st_P=5.39 10^{-44} s. When ttPt\gg t_P, the universe decelerates and enters in the radiation era. For α=0\alpha=0, n=1n=-1 and k=ρΛk=-\rho_{\Lambda}, where \rho_{\Lambda}=7.02 10^{-24} g}/m^3 is the cosmological density, this equation of state describes the transition from a decelerating universe dominated by baryonic and dark matter to an accelerating universe dominated by dark energy (second inflation). The transition takes place at a size a2=8.951025ma_2=8.95 10^{25} m corresponding to a time of the order of the cosmological time tΛ=1.461018st_{\Lambda}=1.46 10^{18} s. This polytropic model reveals a nice "symmetry" between the early and late evolution of the universe, the cosmological constant Λ\Lambda in the late universe playing a role similar to the Planck constant \hbar in the early universe. We interpret the cosmological constant as a fundamental constant of nature describing the "cosmophysics" just like the Planck constant describes the microphysics. The Planck density and the cosmological density represent fundamental upper and lower bounds differing by 122{122} orders of magnitude. The cosmological constant "problem" may be a false problem.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.1208.1192,
  title  = {A simple model of universe with a polytropic equation of state},
  author = {Pierre-Henri Chavanis},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1208.1192},
  year   = {2012}
}

Comments

arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1208.0797,arXiv:1208.0801