No Arabic abstract
Based on Newtonian dynamics, observations show that the luminous masses of astrophysical objects that are the size of a galaxy or larger are not enough to generate the measured motions which they supposedly determine. This is typically attributed to the existence of dark matter, which possesses mass but does not radiate (or absorb radiation). Alternatively, the mismatch can be explained if the underlying dynamics is not Newtonian. Within this conceptual scheme, Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) is a successful theoretical paradigm. MOND is usually expressed in terms of a nonlinear Poisson equation, which is difficult to analyse for arbitrary matter distributions. We study the MONDian gravitational field generated by slightly non-spherically symmetric mass distributions based on the fact that both Newtonian and MONDian fields are conservative (which we refer to as the compatibility condition). As the non-relativistic version of MOND has two different formulations (AQUAL and QuMOND) and the compatibility condition can be expressed in two ways, there are four approaches to the problem in total. The method involves solving a suitably defined linear deformation potential, which generally depends on the choice of MOND interpolation function. However, for some specific form of the deformation potential, the solution is independent of the interpolation function.
Modified Newtonian Dynamics is an empirical modification to Poissons equation which has had success in accounting for the `gravitational field $Phi$ in a variety of astrophysical systems. The field $Phi$ may be interpreted in terms of the weak field limit of a variety of spacetime geometries. Here we consider three of these geometries in a more comprehensive manner and look at the effect on timelike and null geodesics. In particular we consider the Aquadratic Lagrangian (AQUAL) theory, Tensor-Vector-Scalar (TeVeS) theory and Generalized Einstein-{AE}ther (GEA) theory. We uncover a number of novel features, some of which are specific to the theory considered while others are generic. In the case of AQUAL and TeVeS theories, the spacetime exhibits an excess (AQUAL) or deficit (TeVeS) solid angle akin to the case of a Barriola-Vilenkin global monopole. In the case of GEA, a disformal symmetry of the action emerges in the limit of $gradPhirightarrow 0$. Finally, in all theories studied, massive particles can never reach spatial infinity while photons can do so only after experiencing infinite redshift.
We study the statistical mechanics of binary systems under gravitational interaction of the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) in three-dimensional space. Considering the binary systems, in the microcanonical and canonical ensembles, we show that in the microcanonical systems, unlike the Newtonian gravity, there is a sharp phase transition, with a high-temperature homogeneous phase and a low temperature clumped binary one. Defining an order parameter in the canonical systems, we find a smoother phase transition and identify the corresponding critical temperature in terms of physical parameters of the binary system.
I review the history and development of Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) beginning with the phenomenological basis as it existed in the early 1980s. I consider Milgroms papers of 1983 introducing the idea and its consequences for galaxies and galaxy groups, as well as the initial reactions, both negative and positive. The early criticisms were primarily on matters of principle, such as the absence of conservation laws and perceived cosmological problems; an important step in addressing these issues was the development of the Lagrangian-based non-relativistic theory of Bekenstein and Milgrom. This theory led to the development of a tentative relativistic theory that formed the basis for later multi-field theories of gravity. On an empirical level the predictive success of the idea with respect to the phenomenology of galaxies presents considerable challenges for cold dark matter. For MOND the essential challenge remains the absence of a generally accepted theoretical underpinning of the idea and, thus, cosmological predictions. I briefly review recent progress in this direction. Finally I discuss the role and sociology of unconventional ideas in astronomy in the presence of a strongly entrenched standard paradigm.
Screened modified gravity (SMG) is a kind of scalar-tensor theories with screening mechanisms, which can generate screening effect to suppress the fifth force in high density environments and pass the solar system tests. Meanwhile, the potential of scalar field in the theories can drive the acceleration of the late universe. In this paper, we calculate the parameterized post-Newtonian (PPN) parameters $gamma$ and $beta$, the effective gravitational constant $G_{rm eff}$ and the effective cosmological constant $Lambda$ for SMG with a general potential $V$ and coupling function $A$. The dependence of these parameters on the model parameters of SMG and/or the physical properties of the source object are clearly presented. As an application of these results, we focus on three specific theories of SMG (chameleon, symmetron and dilaton models). Using the formulae to calculate their PPN parameters and cosmological constant, we derive the constraints on the model parameters by combining the observations on solar system and cosmological scales.
Gravitational theories differing from General Relativity may explain the accelerated expansion of the Universe without a cosmological constant. However, to pass local gravitational tests, a screening mechanism is needed to suppress, on small scales, the fifth force driving the cosmological acceleration. We consider the simplest of these theories, i.e. a scalar-tensor theory with first-order derivative self-interactions, and study isolated (static and spherically symmetric) non-relativistic and relativistic stars. We produce screened solutions and use them as initial data for non-linear numerical evolutions in spherical symmetry. We find that these solutions are stable under large initial perturbations, as long as they do not cause gravitational collapse. When gravitational collapse is triggered, the characteristic speeds of the scalar evolution equation diverge, even before apparent black-hole or sound horizons form. This casts doubts on whether the dynamical evolution of screened stars may be predicted in these effective field theories.