Incompressible Stars and Fractional Derivatives

Fractional calculus is an effective tool in incorporating the effects of non-locality and memory into physical models. In this regard, successful applications exist rang- ing from signal processing to anomalous diffusion and quantum mechanics. In this paper we investigate the fractional versions of the stellar structure equations for non radiating spherical objects. Using incompressible fluids as a comparison, we develop models for constant density Newtonian objects with fractional mass distributions or stress conditions. To better understand the fractional effects, we discuss effective values for the density, gravitational field and equation of state. The fractional ob- jects are smaller and less massive than integer models. The fractional parameters are related to a polytropic index for the models considered

Missing Mass and the Acceleration of the Universe. Is Quintessence the only Explanation?

Detailed observations of the temperature fluctuations in the microwave background radiation indicate that we live in an open universe. From the size of these fluctuations it is concluded that the geometry of the universe is quite close to Euclidean. In terms Friedmann models, this implies a mass density within 10% of the critical density required for a flat universe. Observed mass can only account for 30% of this mass density. Recently, an outstanding observation revealed that cosmos is accelerating. This motivated some astronomers to explain the missing 70% as some exotic dark energy called quintessence. In this essay, we present an alternative explanation to these cosmological issues in terms of the Friedmann Thermodynamics. This model has the capability of making definite predictions about the geometry of the universe, the missing mass problem, and the acceleration of the universe in-line with the recent observations. For future observations, we also predict where this model will start differing from the quintessence models. (This essay received an honorable mention in the Annual Essay Competition of the Gravity Research Foundation for the year 2002-- Ed)Comment: Accepted for publication in IJMP-D December 200

Fractional Boundaries for Fluid Spheres

A single Israel layer can be created when two metrics adjoin with no continuous metric derivative across the boundary. The properties of the layer depend only on the two metrics it separates. By using a fractional derivative match, a family of Israel layers can be created between the same two metrics. The family is indexed by the order of the fractional derivative. The method is applied to Tolman IV and V interiors and a Schwarzschild vacuum exterior. The method creates new ranges of modeling parameters for fluid spheres. A thin shell analysis clarifies pressure/tension in the family of boundary layers.Comment: to appear in J. Math. Phy

A Singularity-Free Cosmological Model with a Conformally Coupled Scalar Field

We explore the possibility of describing our universe with a singularity--free, closed, spatially homogeneous and isotropic cosmological model, using only general relativity and a suitable equation of state which produces an inflationary era. A phase transition to a radiation--dominated era occurs as a consequence of boundary conditions expressing the assumption that the temperature cannot exceed the Planck value. We find that over a broad range of initial conditions, the predicted value of the Hubble parameter is approximately $47$ km$\cdot$~s$^{-1}\cdot$~Mpc$^{-1}$. Inflation is driven by a scalar field, which must be conformally coupled to the curvature if the Einstein equivalence principle has to be satisfied. The form of the scalar field potential is derived, instead of being assumed a priori.Comment: 19 pages, figures and tables available from the author