Toward a No-Go Theorem for an Accelerating Universe through a Nonlinear Backreaction

Abstract

The backreaction of nonlinear inhomogeneities to the cosmic expansion is re-analyzed in the framework of general relativity. Apparent discrepancies regarding the effect of the nonlinear backreaction, which exist among the results of previous works in different gauges, are resolved. By defining the spatially averaged matter energy density as a conserved quantity in the large comoving volume, it is shown that the nonlinear backreaction neither accelerates nor decelerates the cosmic expansion in a matter-dominated universe. The present result in the Newtonian gauge is consistent with the previous results obtained in the comoving synchronous gauge. Although our work does not give a complete proof, it strongly suggests the following no-go theorem: No cosmic acceleration occurs as a result of the nonlinear backreaction via averaging.