Universal cosmological solutions in Lovelock gravity

TL;DR

This paper derives and classifies cosmological solutions within Lovelock gravity, extending Einstein's theory, and uncovers new vacuum and pressure-free solutions for flat and open universes, enhancing understanding of cosmic evolution.

Contribution

It introduces a generalized framework for Friedmann equations in Lovelock gravity and identifies unique vacuum and pressure-free solutions for different universe geometries.

Findings

Derived generalized Friedmann equations for Lovelock gravity.

Identified new vacuum solutions in flat universes.

Provided comprehensive pressure-free solutions for open universes.

Abstract

This paper explores the Friedmann field equations within the framework of Lovelock gravity, a natural extension of Einstein's gravity, focusing on both flat and open universes. Utilizing an approach based on independent Riemann tensor components, we derive generalized Friedmann equations for Lovelock gravity and categorize the solutions into Type I and Type II types. We identify additional vacuum solutions in a flat universe and present a comprehensive solution for a pressure-free scenario in an open universe, both unique to Lovelock gravity. These findings provide new insights into the cosmological implications of Lovelock gravity and offer a foundation for further exploration into the universe's evolutionary trajectory.