The g-modes of white dwarfs

The neutral g-modes of a degenerate fluid at zero temperature are analyzed. The g-modes of a degenerate fluid at finite but small temperatures are then expanded in terms of those of the zero temperature fluid. For nonrelativistic degenerate fluids it is found that (1) the g-eigenvalues are proportional to T mu(6)sub e mu(-1)sub i, where T is the internal temperature of the fluid, mu sub e and mu sub i are the mean molecular weights of electrons and ions, respectively; (2) the ion pressure is solely responsible for driving the g-modes. For white dwarfs of about a solar mass, the periods of the g-oscillations are in the range of a few hundredths of seconds

Gravitational waves and lensing of the metric theory proposed by Sobouti

We investigate in detail two physical properties of the metric f(R) theory developed by Sobouti (2007). We first look for the possibility of producing gravitational waves that travel at the speed of light. We then check the possibility of producing extra bending in the lenses produced by the theory. We do this by using standard weak field approximations to the gravitational field equations that appear in Sobouti's theory. We show in this article that the metric theory of gravitation proposed by Sobouti (2007) predicts the existence of gravitational waves travelling at the speed of light in vacuum. In fact, this is proved in general terms for all metric theories of gravity which can be expressed as powers of Ricci's scalar. We also show that an extra additional lensing as compared to the one predicted by standard general relativity is produced. These two points are generally considered to be of crucial importance in the development of relativistic theories of gravity that could provide an alternative description to the dark matter paradigm.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures. Added a comment on the recent article by Saffari (arXiv:0704.3345v1) and small typos as well as general comments in the introuduction and conclusio

The r-modes of rotating fluids

An analysis of the toroidal modes of a rotating fluid, by means of the differential equations of motion is not readily tractable. A matrix representation of the equations in a suitable basis, however, simplifies the problem considerably and reveals many of its intricacies.Comment: 12 pages, 4 fiures, revised version to appear in A&

A cosmological dust model with extended f(chi) gravity

Introducing a fundamental constant of nature with dimensions of acceleration into the theory of gravity makes it possible to extend gravity in a very consistent manner. At the non-relativistic level a MOND-like theory with a modification in the force sector is obtained, which is the limit of a very general metric relativistic theory of gravity. Since the mass and length scales involved in the dynamics of the whole universe require small accelerations of the order of Milgrom's acceleration constant a_0, it turns out that the relativistic theory of gravity can be used to explain the expansion of the universe. In this work it is explained how to use that relativistic theory of gravity in such a way that the overall large-scale dynamics of the universe can be treated in a pure metric approach without the need to introduce dark matter and/or dark energy components.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure. Accepted for publication in the European Physical Journal

Gravitational anomalies signaling the breakdown of classical gravity

Recent observations for three types of astrophysical systems severely challenge the GR plus dark matter scenario, showing a phenomenology which is what modified gravity theories predict. Stellar kinematics in the outskirts of globular clusters show the appearance of MOND type dynamics on crossing the $a_{0}$ threshold. Analysis shows a ``Tully-Fisher'' relation in these systems, a scaling of dispersion velocities with the fourth root of their masses. Secondly, an anomaly has been found at the unexpected scales of wide binaries in the solar neighbourhood. Binary orbital velocities cease to fall along Keplerian expectations, and settle at a constant value, exactly on crossing the $a_{0}$ threshold. Finally, the inferred infall velocity of the bullet cluster is inconsistent with the standard cosmological scenario, where much smaller limit encounter velocities appear. This stems from the escape velocity limit present in standard gravity; the ``bullet'' should not hit the ``target'' at more than the escape velocity of the joint system, as it very clearly did. These results are consistent with extended gravity, but would require rather contrived explanations under GR, each. Thus, observations now put us in a situation where modifications to gravity at low acceleration scales cease to be a matter of choice, to now become inevitable.Comment: 10 pages, 5 figures, Astrophysics and Space Science Proceedings 38, 4