Defect evolution in cosmology and condensed matter : quantitative analysis with the velocity-dependent one-scale model / C.J.A.P. Martins.

Preface; Contents; Acronyms; 1 Introduction to Defects; 1.1 Motivation; 1.2 An Example: Cosmic Strings; 1.3 Some Observational Consequences; 1.4 Cosmic Superstrings; 1.5 Future Directions; References; 2 Cosmic Strings; 2.1 Cosmic String Dynamics; 2.1.1 Lengthscale Evolution; 2.1.2 Loop Evolution; 2.1.3 Velocity Evolution; 2.2 Scaling Results; 2.2.1 Scale-Invariant Solutions; 2.2.2 Friction-Dominated Solutions; 2.2.3 A Cosmological Constant; 2.3 Some Extensions; 2.3.1 Radiation Back-Reaction; 2.3.2 Open Universes; 2.3.3 Anisotropic Models; 2.4 Calibrating the Model with Simulations; References

3 Domain Walls3.1 The VOS Model for Domain Walls; 3.2 Scaling Solutions; 3.2.1 The Effect of Friction; 3.2.2 Calibrating the Model; 3.3 Multi-field Models: Frustrated Expectations; 3.3.1 Two-Field Models; 3.3.2 Three-Field Models; 3.3.3 The Ideal Model; 3.4 Biased Walls; 3.4.1 Biased Initial Conditions; 3.4.2 Biased Potential; 3.5 Physical and Invariant Models; 3.5.1 Contracting Universes; 3.5.2 Friction Domination; References; 4 The Rest of the Zoo; 4.1 Monopole Networks; 4.1.1 Evolution of Local Monopoles; 4.1.2 Evolution of Global Monopoles; 4.2 Monopoles Attached to One String

4.2.1 Local Case4.2.2 Global Case; 4.3 Monopoles Attached to More than One String; 4.4 Semilocal Strings; 4.4.1 The VOS Model for Semilocal Strings; 4.4.2 Comparing to Simulations; References; 5 Model Extensions; 5.1 Superconducting Strings; 5.1.1 Averaged Equations; 5.1.2 No Charge Losses; 5.1.3 Macroscopic Charge Losses; 5.2 Wiggly Strings; 5.2.1 Averaged Evolution and Energy Transfers; 5.2.2 The Tensionless Limit; 5.2.3 The Linear Limit; 5.3 Towards Cosmic Superstrings; References; 6 Defects in Condensed Matter; 6.1 Motivation; 6.2 The VOS Model Revisited

6.2.1 The Condensed-Matter Context6.2.2 The Relativistic Regime; 6.3 Summary: VOS in a Nutshell; References