Generalized Brans-Dicke Theory: A Dynamical Systems Analysis

Abstract

The stability criteria for the generalized Brans-Dicke cosmology in a spatially flat, homogeneous and isotropic cosmological model is discussed in the presence of a perfect fluid. The generalization comes through the channel that the Brans-Dicke coupling parameter $ω$ is allowed to be a function of the scalar field $ϕ$. This generalization can lead to a host of scalar-tensor theories of gravity for various choices of $ω= ω(ϕ)$. A very interesting general result has been found. Excepting for the case of a radiation distribution as the choice of the fluid, all other solutions find a natural habitat in the corresponding solutions in general relativity in an infinite $ω$ limit. For the radiation distribution, the dependence of stability on $ω$ is a bit obscure. If a scalar potential, function of the Brans-Dicke scalar field, is added to the action, the requirement of an infinite $ω$ for stability is relaxed for a matter distribution with a non-zero trace whereas it becomes a possibility for a radiation distribution.

12 page, 26 figure