Newtonian limit of cosmological perturbation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the Newtonian limit of cosmological perturbation as outlined in problem 5.6 of Dodelson's "Modern Cosmology." Participants analyze the combination of equations (5.27) and (5.84) to arrive at equation (5.81), which represents the potential in a scalar perturbed metric. The reduction to Poisson's equation is confirmed when the wavelength is significantly smaller than the horizon, specifically when \( k\eta >> 1 \). Key insights include the necessity of converting the Hubble rate to a conformal time derivative to achieve the desired results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Einstein's equations in cosmology
  • Familiarity with scalar perturbed metrics
  • Knowledge of conformal time derivatives
  • Proficiency in manipulating algebraic equations in cosmological contexts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Poisson's equation from Einstein's equations in cosmological settings
  • Learn about scalar perturbations in cosmology and their implications
  • Explore the role of the Hubble parameter in cosmological equations
  • Investigate the significance of conformal time in cosmological models
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Students and researchers in cosmology, physicists working on gravitational theories, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of cosmological perturbation theory.

Libra82
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Homework Statement


Problem in question is problem 5.6 in Dodelson's Modern Cosmology (https://www.amazon.com/dp/0122191412/?tag=pfamazon01-20)
Take the Newtonian limit of Einstein's equations. Combine the time-time equation (5.27) with the time-space equations of exercise 5 to obtain the algebraic (i.e. no time derivatives) equation for the potential given in Eq. (5.81). Show that this reduces to Poisson's equation (with the appropriate factors of a) when the wavelength is much smaller than the horizon [itex]( k\eta >> 1)[/itex].

Homework Equations


The equations mentioned in the problem are:
(5.27): ##k^2 \Phi + 3\frac{\dot{a}}{a}\left(\dot{\Phi} - \psi \frac{\dot{a}}{a}\right) = 4\pi G a^2 (\rho_m \delta_m + 4\rho_r \Theta_{r,0})##
(5.81): ## k^2 \Phi = 4\pi G a^2 \left(\rho_m \delta_m + 4\rho_r\Theta_{r,0} + \frac{3aH}{k}\left[i \rho_m v_m + 4\rho_r \Theta_{r,1} \right] \right) ##
(5.84): ## aH\psi - \dot{\Phi} = \frac{4\pi G a^2}{k}\left( i\rho_m v_m + 4\rho_r \Theta_{r,1} \right) ##

We are working in a scalar perturbed metric so ##g_{00} = -(1-2\psi)##, ##g_{ij} = \delta_{ij} a^2(1+2\Phi)##.
##k## is the wave vector of the perturbation.
Dot derivative indicate differentiation with respect to conformal time, ##\dot{\Phi} = \frac{\partial \Phi}{\partial \eta}##.

The Attempt at a Solution


As I read the problem I am to find a combination of equations (5.27) and (5.84) to arrive at (5.81) and already here I run into problems. I've been trying various combinations for a couple of hours and I have yet to arrive at anything useful.

I can easily get the right hand side of equation (5.81) by multiplying (5.84) with ##3aH## and then adding this equation to (5.27) but the left hand side is always the problem. I seem to either have too few factors of ##a## or too many.

This is where I currently stand:
##k^2 \Phi + 3H\dot{\Phi} - 3H^2 \psi + 3a^2H^2\psi - 3aH\dot{\Phi} = \text{same as r.h.s. in eq. (5.81)}##.

To show the reduction to Poisson's equation I'd assume that ## a = const.## so ##\dot{a} = 0## thus arriving at Poisson's equation in Fourier space.
 
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Apparently I just need enough coffee to get it right.

I had forgotten that the Hubble rate which is defined as ##H = a_{,0}/a## also has to be converted to a conformal time derivative. By using ##H = \dot{a}/a^2## where dot-derivative means ##\frac{\partial}{\partial \eta}## I arrived at the equation I wanted. :)
 

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