Dynamical Systems and Cosmology

✍ Scribed by A. A. Coley (auth.)

• Publisher: Springer Netherlands
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 203
• Series: Astrophysics and Space Science Library 291
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Dynamical systems theory is especially well-suited for determining the possible asymptotic states (at both early and late times) of cosmological models, particularly when the governing equations are a finite system of autonomous ordinary differential equations.
In this book we discuss cosmological models as dynamical systems, with particular emphasis on applications in the early Universe. We point out the important role of self-similar models. We review the asymptotic properties of spatially homogeneous perfect fluid models in general relativity. We then discuss results concerning scalar field models with an exponential potential (both with and without barotropic matter). Finally, we discuss the dynamical properties of cosmological models derived from the string effective action.
This book is a valuable source for all graduate students and professional astronomers who are interested in modern developments in cosmology.

✦ Table of Contents

Front Matter....Pages i-viii
Introduction....Pages 1-6
The Theory of Dynamical Systems....Pages 7-26
Spatially Homogeneous Models....Pages 27-43
Scalar Field Cosmologies with Barotropic Matter....Pages 44-58
Physical Applications....Pages 59-66
Closed Models....Pages 67-81
Multiple Scalar Fields....Pages 82-95
Scalar Tensor Theories of Gravity....Pages 96-105
Magnetic Field Cosmology....Pages 106-115
String Cosmology....Pages 116-139
Anisotropic and Curved String Cosmologies....Pages 140-155
M-Theory....Pages 156-173
Back Matter....Pages 174-195

✦ Subjects

Classical and Quantum Gravitation, Relativity Theory;Ordinary Differential Equations;Theoretical, Mathematical and Computational Physics;Applications of Mathematics;Astronomy, Observations and Techniques