On stability of the Kasner solution in quadratic gravity

Abstract

We consider dynamics of a flat anisotropic Universe filled by a perfect fluid near a cosmological singularity in quadratic gravity. Two possible regimes are described -- the Kasner anisotropic solution and an isotropic "vacuum radiation" solution which has three sub cases depending on whether the equation of state parameter $w$ is bigger, smaller or equals to $1/3$. Initial conditions for numerical integrations have been chosen near General Relativity anisotropic solution with matter (Jacobs solution). We have found that for such initial conditions there is a range of values of coupling constants so that the resulting cosmological singularity is isotropic.