Signature of $f\left(R\right)$ gravity via Lemaître-Tolman-Bondi inhomogeneous perturbations (2301.09768v4)

Abstract: We analyze inhomogeneous cosmological models in the local Universe, described by the Lema^itre-Tolman-Bondi (LTB) metric and developed using linear perturbation theory on a homogeneous and isotropic Universe background. Focusing on the different evolution of spherical symmetric inhomogeneities, we compare the $\Lambda$LTB model, in which the cosmological constant $\Lambda$ is included in the LTB formalism, with inhomogeneous cosmological models based on $f\left(R\right)$ modified gravity theories viewed in the Jordan frame. We solve the system of field equations for both inhomogeneous cosmological models adopting the method of separation of variables: we integrate analytically the radial profiles of local perturbations, while their time evolution requires a numerical approach. The main result of the analysis concerns the different radial profiles of local inhomogeneities due to the presence of a non-minimally coupled scalar field in the Jordan frame of $f\left(R\right)$ gravity. While radial perturbations follow a power-law in the $\Lambda$LTB model, Yukawa-like contributions appear in the $f\left(R\right)$ theory. Interestingly, this latter peculiar behavior of radial profile is not affected by the choice of the $f\left(R\right)$ functional form. The numerical solution of time-dependent perturbations exhibits a non-diverging profile. This work suggests that investigations about local inhomogeneities in the late Universe may allow us to discriminate if the present cosmic acceleration is caused by a cosmological constant term or a modified gravity effect.