Abstract. We test the Yilmaz theory of gravitation by working out the corresponding Friedmann-type equations generated by assuming the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker cosmological metrics. In the case that space is flat the theory is consistent only with either a completely empty universe or a negative energy vacuum that decays to produce a constant density of matter. In both cases the total energy remains zero at all times, and in the latter case the acceleration of the expansion is always negative. To obtain a more flexible and potentially more realistic cosmology, the equation of state relating the pressure and energy density of the matter creation process must be different from the vacuum, as for example is the case in the steady-state models of Gold, Bondi, Hoyle and others. The theory does not support the cosmological principle for curved space K ≠ 0 cosmological metrics.

PACS numbers: 04.20.−q, 98.80.−k, 98.80.Jk

Print publication: Issue 3 (7 February 2006)
Received 31 May 2005, in final form 9 November 2005
Published 10 January 2006