Newtonian and post-Newtonian approximations of the \(k=0\) Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmology (Q1585714)

This paper compares the Friedmann-Robertson-Walker cosmology for \(k=0\) with the usual Newtonian approximation and with a ``post-Newtonian'' approximation derived in a previous paper. Essentially the metric elements, \(g_{ij}\), are expanded in inverse powers of \(c\), the velocity of light. The usual Newtonian theory is obtained by truncating the field equations to \(O(c^{-2})\) whereas the post-Newtonian theory truncates to \(O(c^{-6})\). The field equations are derived for each approximation. The conclusion is that whereas the Newtonian theory reproduces the general relativity only in the case of dust, i.e., a matter dominated universe with a particular equation of state \(\rho=0\), the post-Newtonian theory seems to be a much more favorable approximation to general relativity.