Energy conditions in $f(R,G)$ gravity

TL;DR

This paper examines the viability of specific $f(R,G)$ modified gravity models by applying energy conditions and recent cosmological data to assess their consistency with the universe's accelerated expansion.

Contribution

It analyzes two common $f(R,G)$ models using energy conditions and recent cosmological parameters to evaluate their physical plausibility.

Findings

Energy conditions impose constraints on $f(R,G)$ models.

Certain models are consistent with current cosmological data.

The weak energy condition helps assess model viability.

Abstract

Modified gravity is one of the most favorable candidates for explaining the current accelerating expansion of the Universe. In this regard, we study the viability of an alternative gravitational theory, namely $f(R,G)$, by imposing energy conditions. We consider two forms of $f(R,G)$, commonly discussed in the literature, which account for the stability of cosmological solutions. We construct the inequalities obtained by energy conditions and specifically apply the weak energy condition using the recent estimated values of the Hubble, deceleration, jerk and snap parameters to probe the viability of the above-mentioned forms of $f(R, G)$.