The dynamics of inhomogeneous cosmologies
By: by Woei Chet Lim
Contributors: University of Waterloo. Department of Applied Mathematics
Publisher: University of Waterloo
Published: 2004
Place of publication: Waterloo, Ont
Language: eng
Format: [electronic resource] /
Number of pages: 195
ISBN-13: 9780612935907
Subjects: Partial Differential equations; Asymptotic theory; Relativity (Physics); Mathematical models
Description: In this thesis we investigate cosmological models more general than the isotropic and homogeneous Friedmann-Lemaître models. We focus on cosmologies with one spatial degree of freedom, whose matter content consists of a perfect fluid and the cosmological constant. We formulate the Einstein field equations as a system of quasilinear first order partial differential equations, using scale-invariant variables. The primary goal is to study the dynamics in the two asymptotic regimes, i.e. near the initial singularity and at late times. We highlight the role of spatially homogeneous dynamics as the background dynamics, and analyze the inhomogeneous aspect of the dynamics. We perform a variety of numerical simulations to support our analysis and to explore new phenomena.
Notes: "A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfilment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Mathematics."

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Waterloo, 2004.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 188-195).

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