Constraints on bulk viscosity in $f(Q,T)$ gravity from H(z)/Pantheon+ data

TL;DR

This paper explores how bulk viscosity within $f(Q,T)$ gravity can explain late-time cosmic acceleration, using observational data to constrain model parameters and analyze cosmic evolution.

Contribution

It introduces a linear $f(Q,T)$ model with bulk viscosity, derives exact solutions, and constrains parameters using $H(z)$ and Pantheon+ data, providing a realistic cosmological scenario.

Findings

Deceleration parameter transitions from positive to negative at $z_t$

Pressure becomes negative, indicating acceleration

Energy conditions show SEC violation, consistent with acceleration

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the role of bulk viscosity in $f(Q,T)$ gravity in explaining late-time cosmic acceleration. This model, an extension of symmetric teleparallel gravity, introduces viscosity into cosmic matter dynamics for a more realistic representation. Specifically, we consider the linear form of $f (Q, T) =\alpha Q + \beta T$, where $\alpha$ and $\beta$ are free model parameters. To assess the model, we derive its exact solution and use Hubble parameter $H(z)$ data and Pantheon + SNe Ia data for parameter estimation. We employ the $\chi^2$ minimization technique alongside the MCMC random sampling method to determine the best-fit parameters. Then, we analyze the behavior of key cosmological parameters, including the deceleration parameter, bulk viscous matter-dominated universe density, effective pressure, and the effective EoS parameter, accounting for the viscous type fluid. We observe a transition in the deceleration parameter from a positive (decelerating) to a negative (accelerating) phase at transition redshift $z_t$. The matter density shows the expected positive behavior, while the pressure, influenced by viscosity, exhibits negative behavior, indicative of accelerating expansion. Furthermore, we investigate the energy conditions and find that while the NEC and DEC meet positivity criteria, the SEC is violated in the present and future epochs. The $Om(z)$ diagnostic suggests that our model aligns with quintessence behavior. Finally, our $f(Q,T)$ cosmological model, incorporating bulk viscosity effects, provides a compelling explanation for late-time cosmic behavior, consistent with observational data.