Curvature Singularity in f(R) Theories of Gravity

Abstract

Although $f(R)$ modification of late time cosmology is successful in explaining present cosmic acceleration, it is difficult to satisfy the fifth-force constraint simultaneously. Even when the fifth-force constraint is satisfied, the effective scalar degree of freedom may move to a point (close to its potential minima) in the field space where the Ricci scalar diverges. We elucidate this point further with a specific example of $f(R)$ gravity that incorporates several viable $f(R)$ gravity models in the literature. In particular, we show that the nonlinear evolution of the scalar field in pressureless contracting dust can easily lead to the curvature singularity, making this theory unviable.

15 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, minor changes in the text, a few references added

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Cited by in corpus (5)

• Correspondence of $F(R)$ Gravity Singularities in Jordan and Einstein Frames
• Compact star in noninteger power model of $f(R)$ gravity
• Viability of Arctan Model of f(R) Gravity for Late-time Cosmology
• Cusp singularities in f(R) gravity: pros and cons
• A New f(R) Model in the Light of Local Gravity Test and Late-time Cosmology