Does a Closed Universe Satisfy the FRW Equations?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on demonstrating that the equations satisfy the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) equations in a closed universe. The key equation discussed is the FRW equation: 3(𝑑𝑎/𝑑𝑡)² + (𝑘𝑐²/𝑎²) = 8πGρ. The participants explore the relationship between the scale factor 𝑎, the curvature parameter 𝑘, and the density ρ, while also addressing the metric when the conformal time 𝜂 is used. The confusion arises around the omission of the curvature term and how to relate 𝜂 to its initial value 𝜂₀.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Friedmann-Robertson-Walker (FRW) equations
  • Knowledge of cosmological parameters including density ρ and curvature k
  • Familiarity with differential equations and their applications in cosmology
  • Basic grasp of conformal time and its significance in cosmological models
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and implications of the Friedmann equations in cosmology
  • Learn about the role of curvature in the FRW equations and its physical significance
  • Explore the concept of conformal time and its application in cosmological metrics
  • Investigate the relationship between density parameters and the expansion of the universe
USEFUL FOR

Cosmologists, physics students, and researchers interested in the dynamics of closed universe models and the application of the FRW equations in understanding cosmic evolution.

unscientific
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Homework Statement



(a) Show that the equations satisfy FRW equations.
(b) Show the metric when ##\eta## is taken as time

frw1.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



[/B]
The FRW equation is:
3 \left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 = 8\pi G \rho

Using ##\frac{da}{dt} = \frac{da}{d\eta} \frac{d\eta}{dt}##:

\dot a = \frac{\frac{1}{\eta_*} sin \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*}\right)}{1 - cos \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*} \right)}
\dot a = \frac{C sin \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*} \right)}{\eta_* a}

The LHS is then

3 \left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 = 3 \left[ \frac{C^2 sin^2 (\frac{\eta}{\eta_*})}{\eta_*^2 a^4} \right]Not sure how to show this equals RHS..
 
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unscientific said:

Homework Statement



(a) Show that the equations satisfy FRW equations.
(b) Show the metric when ##\eta## is taken as time

frw1.png

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution



[/B]
The FRW equation is:
3 \left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 = 8\pi G \rho

Using ##\frac{da}{dt} = \frac{da}{d\eta} \frac{d\eta}{dt}##:

\dot a = \frac{\frac{1}{\eta_*} sin \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*}\right)}{1 - cos \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*} \right)}
\dot a = \frac{C sin \left( \frac{\eta}{\eta_*} \right)}{\eta_* a}

The LHS is then

3 \left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 = 3 \left[ \frac{C^2 sin^2 (\frac{\eta}{\eta_*})}{\eta_*^2 a^4} \right]Not sure how to show this equals RHS..

In a closed universe the FRW equation has a spatial curvature term with a 'k' in it. You omitted that.
 
Last edited:
Dick said:
In a closed universe the FRW equation has a spatial curvature term with a 'k' in it. You omitted that.

FRW equation is given by:
3 \left( \frac{\dot a}{a} \right)^2 + \frac{kc^2}{a^2} = 8\pi G \rho

Curvature parameter is given by ##\Omega = \frac{8\pi \rho G}{3H_0^2}##.

\frac{C^2 sin^2 (\frac{\eta}{\eta_*})}{\eta_*^2 a^4} + \frac{kc^2}{a^2} = \frac{\Omega}{H_0^2}

At ##t=0##, ##\frac{\eta_0}{\eta_*} = sin (\frac{\eta_0}{\eta_*})##, so ##a_0 = C\left[ 1 - \sqrt{1 - (\frac{\eta_0}{\eta_*})^2} \right]##.

Rearranging, ##(\frac{\eta_0}{\eta_*})^2 = (\frac{a_0}{c})(1 - \frac{a_0}{c})##.

How am I to relate ##\eta## to ##\eta_0##?
 
Last edited:
I'm just confused at this stage, shouldn't ##a_0 =1##? I have a feeling this problem is much simpler than it seems..Would appreciate some help
 
Last edited:
5th Attempt

\left( \frac{\dot a}{a}\right)^2 = \frac{8\pi G \rho}{3} - \frac{kc^2}{a^2}

Using ##\rho = \Omega \rho_c = \Omega \cdot \frac{3H^2}{8\pi G}##:

\left( \frac{\dot a}{a}\right)^2 = \Omega H^2 - \frac{kc^2}{a^2}

\dot {a}^2 = \Omega \dot {a}^2 - kc^2

\frac{da}{dt} = c \sqrt{\frac{k}{\Omega -1}}

But there is no factor of ##C## on the LHS, as ##\frac{da}{dt} = \frac{sin(\frac{\eta}{\eta_*})}{\eta_* \left[1-cos(\frac{\eta}{\eta_*})\right]}##
 

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