Can an Oscillating Eternal Universe be Described without Singularity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of describing an oscillating eternal universe without singularities using a specific scale factor within the framework of cosmological metrics, particularly the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) metric. Participants explore the mathematical and physical implications of this approach, questioning the adequacy of the proposed scale factor and its relation to established cosmological models.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a scale factor defined as a(t)=sin(t)(1+sgn(sin(t)) + ε and questions its mathematical and physical validity in describing an oscillating universe.
  • Another participant argues that simply providing a scale factor is insufficient without the complete line element of the metric.
  • A later reply clarifies that the intention was to reference the Standard Model of cosmology while suggesting a specific definition for the scale factor.
  • Another participant points out that the Standard Model already includes a definition for the scale factor and emphasizes the need to use the general FRW metric and the Friedmann Equations to assess the proposed scale factor's validity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the sufficiency of the proposed scale factor and its relation to established cosmological metrics. There is no consensus on whether the proposed metric can adequately describe the intended universe model.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of defining the entire line element and using established equations to evaluate the proposed scale factor, indicating potential limitations in the initial proposal.

victorvmotti
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Consider the FLRW metric.

We pick a specific definition for the scale factor as suggested bellow.

Suppose we have a hypothetical metric having the scale factor defined by

## a(t)=\sin(t) (1+ \text {sgn}(\sin(t)) +\epsilon ##

Does this make sense, mathematically (and physically)?

Like having a continuous smooth (differentiable) manifold. Or relating to the geometric properties of homogeneity and isotropy, an expanding and contracting universe?

Can this describe an oscillating eternal infinite universe without singularity?

If it does not, how to write a metric that can do so?
 
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victorvmotti said:
Suppose we have a hypothetical metric having the scale factor
Just giving a scale factor doesn't tell us what the metric is. You need to write down the entire line element.
 
PeterDonis said:
Just giving a scale factor doesn't tell us what the metric is. You need to write down the entire line element.
Actually, I meant that the Standard Model of cosmology and its metric to be used, only that we pick a specific definition for the scale factor as suggested.
 
victorvmotti said:
Actually, I meant that the Standard Model of cosmology and its metric to be used, only that we pick a specific definition for the scale factor as suggested.
The Standard Model of cosmology already includes a definition for the scale factor, which is not yours.

If you mean the general FRW metric, you should be able to write it down. And you should also be able to plug your ansatz for the scale factor into the equations that that metric gives (the Friedmann Equations) to see whether they make sense. Anyone with the background knowledge for an "A" level thread on this topic should be able to do that.
 

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