Scientists of the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics of the University of Cambridge (UK) described the evolution of the scale factor of the Universe within the framework of the concept of cyclic cosmology. The research preprint is at the disposal of the Lenta.ru editorial office.
Physicists considered the Mikmaster solution of the equations of general relativity, which is similar to the metric of the modern Universe, but allows more clearly, in comparison with the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker model, to understand its early evolution.
Image: arxiv.org
With each cycle of the evolution of the Universe, its scale factor, as scientists have found, will grow, as a result of which the world becomes more and more flat (that is, it is globally described by Euclidean, and not, for example, Riemannian geometry).
The scale factor is a dimensionless coefficient in the Friedman equation that describes the rate of expansion of the universe (Hubble parameter). This multiplier depends on time, in particular, determines the stage of development of the world.
There are several works in which it is assumed that the development of the Universe is cyclical. For example, in Penrose's theory, one era is separated from another by the Big Bang. This theory has not yet received experimental confirmation.