We present a physico-chemical approach to elucidate the problem of cosmic composition and expansion based on a dynamical theory that space is made up of energy quanta. With a model of cosmic evolution, one gains an insight into the nature of dark energy and dark matter. The universe started from an atomic size volume of an “ideal gas”, at very high temperature and pressure near the Planck epoch. Upon expansion and cooling, phase transitions occurred resulting in the formation of radiation, fundamental particles, and matter. These nucleate and grow into stars, galaxies, and clusters. From the cooling curve and a phase diagram of the universe, we find a correlation between Dark Energy and the energy of space. Using the Friedmann equations, data from WMAP studies of the composition of the universe at 3.8 x 105 years after the Big Bang and at present (13.8 billion years after), are well fitted by our model with an equation of state parameter w= -0.7. The accelerated expansion of the universe, starting at about 7 billion years, determined by BOSS measurements, also correlates well with the dominance of dark energy at 7.25 x 109 years. The expansion is attributed to the energy of space which needs to stretch in order to attain a lower energy state. Dark Matter is identified as a plasma form of matter similar to that which existed during the photon epoch just prior to recombination. BOSS studies indicate that the thermodynamics of expansion of the universe was adiabatic with the rate decelerating during the first 6 billion years after the Big Bang. However, it became non-adiabatic and accelerating thereafter. This implies an influx of energy from a source outside the universe. It maybe the cause of the acceleration in expansion of the universe. The expansion can also remain adiabatic, but it is necessary that the pressure of dark energy be negative for energy to be conserved. These possibilities and their implications will be discussed.

Thermodynamics in cosmology: the composition and expansion of the dark universe

2019 Spring National Meeting

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