Behavior of Time-varying Constants in Relativity

In this paper, we consider Bianchi type III and Kantowski-Sachs spacetimes and discuss the behavior of time-varying constants $G$ and $\Lambda$ by using two symmetric techniques, namely, kinematic self-similarity and matter collineation. In the kinematic self-similarity technique, we investigate the behavior of the first and the second kinds. In the matter collineation technique, we consider usual, modified, and completely modified matter collineation equations while studying the behavior of these constants. Further, we reduce the results for dust, radiation, and stiff fluids. We find that $\Lambda$ is a decreasing time function while $G$ is an increasing time function. This corresponds to the earlier results available in the literature for other spacetimes. Further, we find that the deceleration parameter attains a negative value, which shows that the expansion of the universe is accelerating.Comment: 24 pages, accepted for publication in J. Korean Physical Societ

Gravitational Wave Polarization Modes in f(R)f(R) Theories

Many studies have been carried out in the literature to evaluate the number of polarization modes of gravitational waves in modified theories, in particular in $f(R)$ theories. In the latter ones, besides the usual two transverse-traceless tensor modes present in general relativity, there are two additional scalar ones: a massive longitudinal mode and a massless transverse mode (the so-called breathing mode). This last mode has often been overlooked in the literature, due to the assumption that the application of the Lorenz gauge implies transverse-traceless wave solutions. We however show that this is in general not possible and, in particular, that the traceless condition cannot be imposed due to the fact that we no longer have a Minkowski background metric. Our findings are in agreement with the results found using the Newman-Penrose formalism, and thus clarify the inconsistencies found so far in the literature.Comment: 7 pages; accepted for publication in Phys. Rev.

Expansionfree Fluid Evolution and Skripkin Model in f(R) Theory

We consider the modified $f(R)$ theory of gravity whose higher order curvature terms are interpreted as a gravitational fluid or dark source. The gravitational collapse of a spherically symmetric star, made up of locally anisotropic viscous fluid, is studied under the general influence of the curvature fluid. Dynamical equations and junction conditions are modified in the context of f(R) dark energy and by taking into account the expansionfree evolution of the self-gravitating fluid. As a particular example, the Skripkin model is investigated which corresponds to isotropic pressure with constant energy density. The results are compared with corresponding results in General Relativity.Comment: 18 pages, accepted for publication Int. J. Mod. Phys.

Effects of f(R) Model on the Dynamical Instability of Expansionfree Gravitational Collapse

Dark energy models based on f(R) theory have been extensively studied in literature to realize the late time acceleration. In this paper, we have chosen a viable f(R) model and discussed its effects on the dynamical instability of expansionfree fluid evolution generating a central vacuum cavity. For this purpose, contracted Bianchi identities are obtained for both the usual matter as well as dark source. The term dark source is named to the higher order curvature corrections arising from f(R) gravity. The perturbation scheme is applied and different terms belonging to Newtonian and post Newtonian regimes are identified. It is found that instability range of expansionfree fluid on external boundary as well as on internal vacuum cavity is independent of adiabatic index $\Gamma$ but depends upon the density profile, pressure anisotropy and f(R) model.Comment: 26 pages, no figure. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1108.266

Non-vacuum Solutions of Bianchi Type VI_0 Universe in f(R) Gravity

In this paper, we solve the field equations in metric f(R) gravity for Bianchi type VI_0 spacetime and discuss evolution of the expanding universe. We find two types of non-vacuum solutions by taking isotropic and anisotropic fluids as the source of matter and dark energy. The physical behavior of these solutions is analyzed and compared in the future evolution with the help of some physical and geometrical parameters. It is concluded that in the presence of isotropic fluid, the model has singularity at $\tilde{t}=0$ and represents continuously expanding shearing universe currently entering into phantom phase. In anisotropic fluid, the model has no initial singularity and exhibits the uniform accelerating expansion. However, the spacetime does not achieve isotropy as $t\rightarrow\infty$ in both of these solutions.Comment: 20 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in Astrophys. Space Sc

Anisotropic Fluid and Bianchi Type III Model in f(R) Gravity

This paper is devoted to study the Bianchi type III model in the presence of anisotropic fluid in f(R) gravity. Exponential and power-law volumetric expansions are used to obtain exact solutions of the field equations. We discuss the physical behavior of the solutions and anisotropy behavior of the fluid, the expansion parameter and the model in future evolution of the universe.Comment: 18 pages, accepted for publication in Phys. Lett.

Newtonian and Post Newtonian Expansionfree Fluid Evolution in f(R) Gravity

We consider a collapsing sphere and discuss its evolution under the vanishing expansion scalar in the framework of $f(R)$ gravity. The fluid is assumed to be locally anisotropic which evolves adiabatically. To study the dynamics of the collapsing fluid, Newtonian and post Newtonian regimes are taken into account. The field equations are investigated for a well-known $f(R)$ model of the form $R+\delta R^2$ admitting Schwarzschild solution. The perturbation scheme is used on the dynamical equations to explore the instability conditions of expansionfree fluid evolution. We conclude that instability conditions depend upon pressure anisotropy, energy density and some constraints arising from this theory.Comment: 20 pages, accepted for publication in Astrophys. Space Sc