Could Dark Energy Originate from Gravity Waves?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the possibility that dark energy may originate from gravitational waves, as suggested by a recent paper. Participants explore the implications of this idea for cosmological models, particularly in relation to the homogeneous and isotropic expansion of the universe, and the potential impact of black hole evaporation on the equation of state.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a new paper suggesting that gravitational waves could explain dark energy and anomalies observed in the WMAP data.
  • Others question how gravitational waves could account for the homogeneous and isotropic expansion of the universe, suggesting it might lead to a more inhomogeneous expansion instead.
  • One participant proposes that black holes might be distributed homogeneously and isotropically, similar to galaxies.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the paper's treatment of homogeneous and isotropic distributions, arguing that interactions between gravitational waves from black holes would likely result in uneven distributions of dark energy.
  • There is mention of 4-dimensional and 5-dimensional brane models, though one participant admits a lack of understanding of these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of gravitational waves for dark energy and the nature of cosmic expansion. There is no consensus on how these concepts interrelate or whether the proposed model adequately addresses the observed phenomena.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in understanding the implications of gravitational waves on cosmic expansion and the distribution of dark energy, as well as uncertainties regarding the models discussed.

skydivephil
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A new paper appeared on the arxiv today suggesting this possibility:
http://uk.arxiv.org/abs/1305.0498
I would not have paid too much attention apart from the fact that when this was suggested a while back it was said it might explain some of the WMAp anomalies:

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/425513/gravitational-waves-can-explain-dark-energy-and-axis-of-evil-says-cosmologist/

I think at the time most people didnt think these anomalies would surivie the higher reolsution of Planck, but now they have is it worth revisitng this idea?
What would it mean for the equation of state, shoudl we expect w to change over time as blakc holes evaporate in the far future?
 
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Interesting article I'm not sure how much weight to place on it but it will be an interesting read. The one question I would ask is how can gravitational waves be used to explain the Homogenous and isotropic expansion? I would think it would lead to a more inhomogeneous expansion
 
My guess would be black holes are distributed in a homogenous and isotropic manner as galaxies are.
 
After reading the article I could not determine how they cover a homogeneous and isotropic distribution. Even if super massive BH's are evenly distributed, the waves from each BH would interact with each other. That alone would lead to an uneven distribution of "dark energy". The 4-d Branes and 5-d branes also don't particularly explain that. Not that I particularly understand Brane models.
 

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