Bouncing cosmology in the limiting curvature theory of gravity

TL;DR

This paper explores bouncing cosmological models within the limiting curvature gravity framework, demonstrating nonsingular universe evolution with a bounce and a de Sitter-like phase, by modifying Einstein's theory with curvature restrictions.

Contribution

It introduces a modified gravity model with curvature constraints that enables nonsingular bouncing cosmologies, expanding the understanding of early universe scenarios.

Findings

A closed universe can bounce without singularities under limiting curvature conditions.

The model features a de Sitter-like supercritical phase connecting contraction and expansion.

Proper curvature constraints lead to nonsingular cosmological solutions.

Abstract

In this paper we discuss models satisfying the limiting curvature condition. For this purpose we modify the Einstein-Hilbert action by adding a term which restricts the growth of curvature. We analyze cosmological solutions in such models. Namely, we consider a closed contracting homogeneous isotropic universe filled with thermal radiation. We demonstrate that for properly chosen curvature constraints such a universe has a bounce. As a result its evolution is nonsingular and contains a "de Sitter-type" supercritical stage connecting contracting and expanding phases. Possible generalizations of these results are briefly discussed.