Viscous Spacetime Fluid and Higher Curvature Gravity
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
2007-05-29 v1
Abstract
The Einstein field equation as an equation of state of a thermodynamical system of spacetime is reconsidered in the present Letter. We argue that a consistent interpretation leads us to identify scalar curvature and cosmological constant terms representing the bulk viscosity of the spacetime fluid. Since Einstein equation itself corresponds to a near-equilibrium state in this interpretation invoking gravity for nonequilibrium thermodynamics is not required. A logically consistent generalization to include the effect of so called 'tidal forces' due to the Riemann curvature is presented. A new equation of state for higher curvature gravity is derived and its physical interpretation is discussed.
Cite
@article{arxiv.0705.3882,
title = {Viscous Spacetime Fluid and Higher Curvature Gravity},
author = {S. C. Tiwari},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:0705.3882},
year = {2007}
}