In this thesis we first apply the 1+3 covariant description of general relativity to analyze n-fluid Friedmann-Lemaitre (FL) cosmologies; that is, homogeneous and isotropic cosmologies whose matter-energy content consists of n non-interacting fluids. We are motivated to study FL models of this type as observations suggest the physical universe is closely described by a FL model with a matter content consisting of radiation, dust and a cosmological constant. Secondly, we use the 1+3 covariant description to analyse scalar, vector and tensor perturbations of FL cosmologies containing a perfect fluid and a cosmological constant. In particular, we provide a thorough discussion of the behaviour of perturbations in the physically interesting cases of a dust or radiation background.

Two different works in mathematical physics are presented: A construction of conformal infinity in null and spatial directions is constructed for the Rainbow-flat space-time corresponding to doubly special relativity. From this construction a definition of asymptotic DSRness is put forward which is com- patible with the correspondence principle of Rainbow gravity. Furthermore a result equating asymptotically flat space-times with asymptotically DSR spacetimes is presented. An overview of microlocality in braided ribbon networks is presented. Follow- ing this, a series of definitions are presented to explore the concept of microlocality and the topology of ribbon networks. Isolated substructure of ribbon networks are introduced, and a theorem is proven that allows them to be relocated. This is fol- lowed by a demonstration of microlocal translations. Additionally, an investigation into macrolocality and the implications of invariants in braided ribbon networks are presented.

In this thesis we first apply the 1+3 covariant description of general relativity to analyze n-fluid Friedmann-Lemaitre (FL) cosmologies; that is, homogeneous and isotropic cosmologies whose matter-energy content consists of n non-interacting fluids. We are motivated to study FL models of this type as observations suggest the physical universe is closely described by a FL model with a matter content consisting of radiation, dust and a cosmological constant. Secondly, we use the 1+3 covariant description to analyse scalar, vector and tensor perturbations of FL cosmologies containing a perfect fluid and a cosmological constant. In particular, we provide a thorough discussion of the behaviour of perturbations in the physically interesting cases of a dust or radiation background.

Two different works in mathematical physics are presented: A construction of conformal infinity in null and spatial directions is constructed for the Rainbow-flat space-time corresponding to doubly special relativity. From this construction a definition of asymptotic DSRness is put forward which is com- patible with the correspondence principle of Rainbow gravity. Furthermore a result equating asymptotically flat space-times with asymptotically DSR spacetimes is presented. An overview of microlocality in braided ribbon networks is presented. Follow- ing this, a series of definitions are presented to explore the concept of microlocality and the topology of ribbon networks. Isolated substructure of ribbon networks are introduced, and a theorem is proven that allows them to be relocated. This is fol- lowed by a demonstration of microlocal translations. Additionally, an investigation into macrolocality and the implications of invariants in braided ribbon networks are presented.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Aberdeen University, 2009. / Title from web page (viewed on Oct. 8, 2009). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1968. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record.

It has long been presumed that any consistent nonlinear theory of a spin-two field must be generally covariant. Using Wald's consistency criteria, we exhibit classes of nonlinear theories of a spin-two field that do not have general covariance. We consider four alternative formulations of the spin-two equations. As a first example, we consider a conformally invariant theory of a spin-two field coupled to a scalar field. In the next two cases, the usual symmetric rank-two tensor field, γab, is chosen as the potential. In the fourth case, a traceless symmetric rank-two tensor field is used as the potential. We find that consistent nonlinear generalization of these different formulations leads to theories of a spin-two field that are not generally covariant. In particular, we find types of theories which, when interpreted in terms of a metric, are invariant under the infinitesimal gauge transformation γab→γab + ∇ (a∇[symbol omitted]K[symbol omitted]), where Kab is an arbitrary two-form field. In addition, we find classes of theories that are conformally invariant. As a related problem, we compare the types of theories obtained from the nonlinear extension of a divergence- and curl-free vector field when it is described in terms of two of its equivalent formulations. We find that nonlinear extension of the theory is quite different in each case. Moreover, the resulting types of nonlinear theories may not necessarily be equivalent. A similar analysis is carried out for three-dimensional electromagnetism. / Science, Faculty of / Physics and Astronomy, Department of / Graduate

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We employ a stochastic approach that models spacetime fluctuations close to the Planck scale by means of a classical, randomly fluctuating metric (random gravity framework).  We enrich the classical scheme for metric perturbations over a curved background by also including matter fields and metric conformal fluctuations.  We show in general that a conformally modulated metric induces dephasing as a result of an effective nonlinear Newtonian potential obtained in the appropriate non-relativistic limit of a minimally coupled Klein-Gordon field.  The special case of vacuum fluctuations is considered and a quantitative estimate of the expected effect deduced. Secondly, we address the question of how conformal fluctuations could physically arise.  By applying the random gravity framework we first show that standard GR seems to forbid spontaneous conformal metric modulations.  Finally we argue that a different result follows within scalar-tensor theories of gravity such as e.g. Brans-Dicke theory. In this case a conformal modulation of the metric arises naturally as a result of the fluctuations in the Brans-Dicke field and quantum dephasing of a test particle is expected to occur.  For large negative values of the coupling parameter the conformal fluctuations may also contribute to alleviate the well known problem of the large zero point energy due to quantum matter fields.

ΛCDM cosmology is described in terms of general relativity and the Robertson-Walker metric. The evolution of the observable universe, currently dominated by dark energy (Λ) and cold dark matter (CDM), is presented in terms of its thermal history. CDM is extended to include an inflation epoch that accelerates the early expansion rate to near exponential levels. It is shown that inflation solves several problems in CDM and produces perturbations in the metric that lead to the observed anisotropies in the Cosmic Microwave Background and the formation of large scale cosmological structures. Various theories of inflation are explored. Predictions of inflation theories are compared to observations published by the Planck Collaboration. The paper concludes with an examination of “𝜶-attractor” theories of inflation based on a modified form of gravity.