On the Trace-Free Einstein Equations as a Viable Alternative to General Relativity

Details On the Trace-Free Einstein Equations as a Viable Alternative to General Relativity On the Trace-Free Einstein Equations as a Viable Alternative to General Relativity

2010-08-06

arxiv.org/abs/1008.1196v2

Class.Quant.Grav. 28 (2011) 225007 (11pp)

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology

Substantial changes from v1 including added author, change of title and emphasis of the paper although all original results of

Scientific paper

10.1088/0264-9381/28/22/225007

The quantum field theoretic prediction for the vacuum energy density leads to a value for the effective cosmological constant that is incorrect by between 60 to 120 orders of magnitude. We review an old proposal of replacing Einstein's Field Equations by their trace-free part (the Trace-Free Einstein Equations), together with an independent assumption of energy--momentum conservation by matter fields. While this does not solve the fundamental issue of why the cosmological constant has the value that is observed cosmologically, it is indeed a viable theory that resolves the problem of the discrepancy between the vacuum energy density and the observed value of the cosmological constant. However, one has to check that, as well as preserving the standard cosmological equations, this does not destroy other predictions, such as the junction conditions that underlie the use of standard stellar models. We confirm that no problems arise here: hence, the Trace-Free Einstein Equations are indeed viable for cosmological and astrophysical applications.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On the Trace-Free Einstein Equations as a Viable Alternative to General Relativity does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with On the Trace-Free Einstein Equations as a Viable Alternative to General Relativity, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the Trace-Free Einstein Equations as a Viable Alternative to General Relativity will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-231034