Van der Waals Gravity Theory

TL;DR

This paper introduces a modified gravity theory inspired by the van der Waals equation, incorporating thermodynamic effects to address singularities in cosmology and black holes.

Contribution

It extends general relativity by making the gravitational coupling dynamic, influenced by non-ideal thermodynamic properties of spacetime.

Findings

Avoids initial singularity in Big Bang cosmology

Produces non-singular black hole solutions

Suggests thermodynamic effects can resolve gravitational singularities

Abstract

In this study, we propose an extension of general relativity inspired by the van der Waals equation of state, incorporating non-ideal thermodynamic effects into the gravitational sector. Our approach is based on the thermodynamic interpretation of gravity introduced by Jacobson, in which the field equations arise from the Clausius relation. Within this framework, we obtain modified gravitational field equations in which the effective gravitational coupling is no longer constant, but instead evolves with the properties of the underlying spacetime system. This dynamical behavior leads to significant consequences in high-energy regimes. In particular, it provides a natural mechanism for avoiding the initial singularity of standard Big Bang cosmology and gives rise to non-singular black hole solutions. These findings indicate that incorporating non-ideal thermodynamic features into the description of spacetime may offer a consistent route toward resolving fundamental singularities in classical gravitational theory.