Newtonian limit of cosmological perturbation

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on solving problem 5.6 from Dodelson's "Modern Cosmology," which involves taking the Newtonian limit of Einstein's equations. The goal is to combine specific equations to derive an algebraic equation for the potential, as outlined in Eq. (5.81), and demonstrate its reduction to Poisson's equation under certain conditions. Participants encounter challenges in manipulating the equations, particularly in balancing factors of 'a' on the left-hand side. A breakthrough occurs when recognizing the need to convert the Hubble rate to a conformal time derivative, leading to the desired equation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of careful mathematical manipulation and understanding of cosmological parameters.
Libra82
Messages
13
Reaction score
0

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 ( k\eta >> 1).

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.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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. :)
 
Thread 'Help with Time-Independent Perturbation Theory "Good" States Proof'
(Disclaimer: this is not a HW question. I am self-studying, and this felt like the type of question I've seen in this forum. If there is somewhere better for me to share this doubt, please let me know and I'll transfer it right away.) I am currently reviewing Chapter 7 of Introduction to QM by Griffiths. I have been stuck for an hour or so trying to understand the last paragraph of this proof (pls check the attached file). It claims that we can express Ψ_{γ}(0) as a linear combination of...
Back
Top