Extensions of f(R) Gravity
Curvature-Matter Couplings and Hybrid Metric-Palatini Theory

Presents a detailed analysis of modified theories of gravity, discussing their development, cosmological and astrophysical implications and outstanding challenges.

Tiberiu Harko (Author), Francisco S. N. Lobo (Author)

9781108428743, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 November 2018

474 pages, 24 b/w illus. 1 table
25.4 x 18 x 3 cm, 1 kg

'A very nice introduction to gravity theories and how on emight extend then in progressively more complicated ways. It is a well-written book, which provides the motivation for modified gravity theories, as well as a very clear formal development of the theories.' Alan Heavens, The Observatory

Recent cosmological observations have posed a challenge for traditional theories of gravity: what is the force driving the accelerated expansion of the universe? What if dark energy or dark matter do not exist and what we observe is a modification of the gravitational interaction that dominates the universe at large scales? Various extensions to Einstein's General Theory of Relativity have been proposed, and this book presents a detailed theoretical and phenomenological analysis of several leading, modified theories of gravity. Theories with generalised curvature-matter couplings are first explored, followed by hybrid metric-Palatini gravity. This timely book first discusses key motivations behind the development of these modified gravitational theories, before presenting a detailed overview of their subsequent development, mathematical structure, and cosmological and astrophysical implications. Covering recent developments and with an emphasis on astrophysical and cosmological applications, this is the perfect text for graduate students and researchers.

Preface
Part I. Review of General Relativity: 1. Introduction
2. The mathematical foundations
3. The gravitational field equations
4. The solar system tests and astrophysical applications
5. Cosmology
6. f(R) gravity
Part II. Generalized Curvature-Matter Couplings in Modified Gravity: 7. Introduction
8. Gravity theories with linear curvature-matter coupling
9. f(R
Lm) gravity
10. f(R
T) gravity
11. Dark matter as a curvature-matter coupling effect
12. Thermodynamical interpretation of curvature-matter coupling
13. Quantum cosmology of f(R
T) gravity
14. Modified gravity from quantum metric fluctuations
15. Discussion and conclusion
Part III. Hybrid Metric-Palatini Gravity: 16. Introduction
17. The general formalism
18. Cosmological applications
19. Astrophysical applications
20. Compact stellar objects
21. Hybrid gravity traversable wormholes
22. Conclusions
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Mathematical physics [PHU], Relativity physics [PHR], Gravity [PHDV], Physics [PH], Cosmology & the universe [PGK]