A1.16

Statistical Physics and Cosmology
Part II, 2002

(i) Consider a one-dimensional model universe with "stars" distributed at random on the xx-axis, and choose the origin to coincide with one of the stars; call this star the "homestar." Home-star astronomers have discovered that all other stars are receding from them with a velocity v(x)v(x), that depends on the position xx of the star. Assuming non-relativistic addition of velocities, show how the assumption of homogeneity implies that v(x)=H0xv(x)=H_{0} x for some constant H0H_{0}.

In attempting to understand the history of their one-dimensional universe, homestar astronomers seek to determine the velocity v(t)v(t) at time tt of a star at position x(t)x(t). Assuming homogeneity, show how x(t)x(t) is determined in terms of a scale factor a(t)a(t) and hence deduce that v(t)=H(t)x(t)v(t)=H(t) x(t) for some function H(t)H(t). What is the relation between H(t)H(t) and H0H_{0} ?

(ii) Consider a three-dimensional homogeneous and isotropic universe with mass density ρ(t)\rho(t), pressure p(t)p(t) and scale factor a(t)a(t). Given that E(t)E(t) is the energy in volume V(t)V(t), show how the relation dE=pdVd E=-p d V yields the "fluid" equation

ρ˙=3(ρ+pc2)H\dot{\rho}=-3\left(\rho+\frac{p}{c^{2}}\right) H

where H=a˙/aH=\dot{a} / a.

Show how conservation of energy applied to a test particle at the boundary of a spherical fluid element yields the Friedmann equation

a˙28πG3ρa2=kc2\dot{a}^{2}-\frac{8 \pi G}{3} \rho a^{2}=-k c^{2}

for constant kk. Hence obtain an equation for the acceleration a¨\ddot{a} in terms of ρ,p\rho, p and aa.

A model universe has mass density and pressure

ρ=ρ0a3+ρ1,p=ρ1c2,\rho=\frac{\rho_{0}}{a^{3}}+\rho_{1}, \quad p=-\rho_{1} c^{2},

where ρ0\rho_{0} is constant. What does the fluid equation imply about ρ1\rho_{1} ? Show that the acceleration a¨\ddot{a} vanishes if

a=(ρ02ρ1)13a=\left(\frac{\rho_{0}}{2 \rho_{1}}\right)^{\frac{1}{3}}

Hence show that this universe is static and determine the sign of the constant kk.