Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
We examine the predictability time scales for a cosmological model from the Einstein field equations coupled to the Klein-Gordon equations for a spin zero scalar field with an interaction potential V(φ). The cosmological equations resulting from this coupling are nonlinear in the scale cosmic parameter and scalar field, thus exhibiting characteristics of chaos. The equations can be linearized in the neighborhood of equilibrium points and then diagonalized to yield its Lyapunov exponents. One e-folding time of the system is then found to estimate the predictability time. This time is compared to the Big Rip time theorized by Yurov, Moruno, and Gonzalez-Diaz. The predictability time of the system in the neighborhood of the critical point chosen is found to be smaller than the Big Rip time.
Advisor(s) or Committee Chair
Dr. Keith Andrew
Disciplines
Applied Mathematics | Physics
Recommended Citation
Wilson, John Max, "Predictability Time of Chaotic Cosmologies" (2011). Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects. Paper 317.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/stu_hon_theses/317