Bounce Conditions in f(R) Cosmologies

TL;DR

This paper explores the conditions under which a cosmological bounce can occur in f(R) gravity theories, expanding the understanding of early universe models beyond General Relativity.

Contribution

It derives a general bounce criterion for f(R) cosmologies and provides parameter constraints for specific models to achieve bouncing solutions.

Findings

Bounces are possible in open and flat f(R) cosmologies.

Derived a general criterion for bounce conditions in f(R) gravity.

Identified parameter ranges for specific models to allow bounces.

Abstract

We investigate the conditions for a bounce to occur in Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmologies for the class of fourth order gravity theories. The general bounce criterion is determined and constraints on the parameters of three specific models are given in order to obtain bounces solutions. It is found that unlike the case of General Relativity, a bounce appears to be possible in open and flat cosmologies.