Gauge-invariant perfect-fluid Robertson-Walker perturbations (Q1915379)

A complete set of basic gauge-invariant variables that uniquely characterizes cosmological perturbations in a homogeneous, isotropic, ideal-fluid universe model, has been introduced in a previous paper of the authors [ibid., 633-663 (1996; Zbl 0849.58083)]. In this paper, a systematic derivation of the linear propagation equations governing the evolution of the basic variables is given. It is shown how these equations can be adapted to situations where the pressure vanishes in the background. The physical meaning of basic variables is established and a simple representation of density inhomogeneities in an almost-Robertson-Walker universe model is obtained. Finally, a comparison with other gauge-invariant approaches is made.