Solar System tests disfavor $f(R)$ gravities

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates that many $f(R)$ gravity theories are incompatible with Solar System observations by applying a specific metric perturbation method, thus constraining alternative gravity models.

Contribution

It applies a novel perturbation method to test the viability of $f(R)$ gravities against Solar System data, ruling out many models.

Findings

Many $f(R)$ gravities are inconsistent with Solar System tests.

The perturbation method effectively constrains alternative gravity theories.

Standard $f(R)$ models are challenged by Solar System observations.

Abstract

Using the elegant method employed recently by Erickcek, Smith and Kamionkowski, on the premise that the space-time of Solar System is described by a metric with constant-curvature background added by a static perturbation, we show that many $f(R)$ gravities are ruled out by Solar System tests.